Stories

Today's Rotary meeting was a field trip to the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm.

Nani Goodmand talked about the Community Crisis Services.  This is a free voluntary free from conflicts.  The Service is open 365 days a year 24/7.  Available any age for Johnson County The volunteers will make house call, schools any community locations. 

 

The member volunteer will come in a normal vehicle, create a place to stay for at least a day, and follow up to connect for long term.  A person can call 1-855-581-8111.  Why call:  Suicide, overwhelmed grief or loss, or emotional crisis.  Text or call 988.  24/7 Crisis Help, Healing poor farm, financial support, Food Bank & Basic support.,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kristie Wert, Director of Operations for the Newman Center, was our April 8 speaker.  She gave a rundown of the many programs and services offered to the UI student and general Iowa City community.

The CEO of the Community Foundation of Johnson County, Sherry Maharry, gave an overview of the activities and achievements of the CFJC at the March 25 meeting.

"Walking the El Camino de Santiago" was the program topic from Tom Novak.

AM Rotary's 2024-25 outbound exchange student was the speaker at the February 25 meeting.

United Way of Johnson and Washington County's Development Director, Kaila Rome, was the speaker on February 18.

The Feb 4 IC AM Rotary meeting speaker was Jim Houghton, Attorney, speaking about wills and trusts.

Our guest speaker on January 21 was Timothy Buchanan of Critical Thinking In Motion. 

Jenny Seylar Talked About How to Turn Water into Wine at the January 14 Club Meeting.

January 7th meeting featured Dani Carter and Lindsey Gruber with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa.

December 24th was "What Jazzes You Up" day featuring Casey Cook at new member Shelly Schmit.

Mark Stanley and Chris Knapp provided an update on the AM Club's current status in giving to the RI Foundation and a tutorial on the structure and mission of the RI Foundation.

Our October 29th speakers were Paul Daniel and DGE Norlan Hinke concerning the new Rotary Action Group for Mental Health (RAGHMI) started in 2023.

Pat Heiden introduced Brad Friedhoff, Johnson County Conservation acting director and long time conservation advocate, who spoke about the upcoming vote (referendum) on Johnson County's proposed $30 million dollar conservation bond and the benefits of voting in favor of the bond. With the previous $20 million dollar bond, the country was able to leverage an additional $17 million in additional funding! The previous bond was passed in 2008 by a 60.9 percent of voters and funded projects, including but not limited to the following:  the acquisition of the Clear Creek Conservation area/trail in 2009; the acquisition of the Ciha Fen in 2011, which is home to many plants, animals and reptile species; and two farms, one of which was turned into wetland. Additionally, bond money was used for improving water quality, work on the Hoover trail, purchasing the Cangleska Wakan,  and purchasing Two Horse farm (90 acres). A glacier rock from St. Cloud, MN, was discovered in Iowa! If the conservation referendum passes, the proceeds from the bond would be used to complete projects at Kent Park and for similar projects to protect property, add trails, improve water quality, support community education, and benefit conservation.

Blake Collingsworth, Rotarian from Lincoln, Nebraska, was the speaker for the October 8 meeting.  He talked about his experience losing his son to drowning and the resulting book project and training programs to teach children how to stay safe in the water.

Deb Dunkhase was the speaker for the Sept 24 meeting. She talked about the mission, projects and activities of Open Heartland.

Caleb Schneider was the September 17 speaker who discussed the Commissioning Committee's work for the USS Iowa Virginia Class Nuclear Powered Submarine.

Speaker Jeff Mobley spoke via Zoom about riding his bike across the country over a two-year period for the purpose of recruiting volunteers to drive cancer patients to their appointments for treatment. Volunteers can have a flexible schedule. He encouraged screening for cancer and believes in creating hope for the world (Create Hope in the World was last year's Rotary theme). His website is chemoriders.org. He is on Strava and Facebook and can be followed there. He encourages those who can to volunteer for the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program to help cancer patients by driving them to their appointments for treatment. Volunteers for driving are always needed and there are other opportunities to volunteer as well..

Vernette Knapp Updates Club Members on the 2024-25 IC AM Budget

We welcomed District Governor, Dave Cook (Boone), and his partner, Lisa.

Andreas Soemadi presented about Aspects of Mathematics in the Virtual Arts and displayed examples of his artwork and greeting cards.

Tom Novak introduced Michael Vittetoe of Washington, Iowa and a multi-generation family farm, who spoke on the topic of "Getting the Most Out of Your Pasture" (70 acres with three main areas), regenerative farming,  and using cover crops to cut down on chemicals and reduce erosion. Michael has a cattle operation, which he manages by moving the cattle to various pastures. The cattle are contained within a temporary fence inside a perimeter fence. After the cattle are through with a pasture, he leaves cover down, which feeds insects, etc. He uses cover crops to prevent erosion such as perennials, an alfalfa mix, cereal rye, a warm season mix, and oats.In the summer, he has mobile shade for his cattle. In the winter he feeds hay, which is rolled out in bales.Michael markets his cattle directly to customers in quarters and halves. He checks his cattle every day to make sure they have water. Steak tenderness is one of his biggest challenges, and he strives for good flavor for eating, working continuously to create a healthy ecosystem. 

John McKinstry Talks About His Hobby: Guitar Making

Program Topic:  Dementia- Friendly Johnson County, Presented by Jeff Kellbach, Aging Specialist, Johnson County

Karin Franklin leads discussion of Club Survey results.

Mark Patton introduced speaker Craig Moser from Johnson County Energy District. Johnson County Energy District is one of the Districts in Iowa.  There needs to be a Gobal shift to Clean Air:  Fossil fuel to be replace with solar. 

Wind power is cheaper than gas, Five Goals:1.  How you cook your food?  Electric Stove, 2.  How you heat your house: Heat Pumps, 3.  Regular light bulbs to led bulbs.  4.  Electric or Hybrid vehicles.  There may be tax rebates for buying electric cars. 

For more information:  IAFederalFunding.org

 

 

Nancy Quelhorst introduced Michele Heinz, Executive Director of Inside Out Re-entry Community.  The mission of Inside Out Re-entry program is to support people involve in the criminal legal system.  Education in which they are able to encounter each other, especially across the public in order to promote healing interrelationships and achieve success in our community.  The Mission is to support people who are involved in the criminal legal system.  The promote healing relationships and help to achieve success in the community.   

There are many barriers:  Housing, employment, transportation, citizenship-voting, social stigma isolation, acquiring basic services, lack of family support and mental health issues.

Inside Out Re-Entry provides:  Awesome center, mentor support, help finding employment, access to community resources, transportation, skills training, friendship, social opportunities, correspondence and rent planning, 

August 10, 2024 they are opening a house in Iowa City.  A person can stay up to 24 months.  

How you can get involved.:  Volunteers, help finding mentors.  

Financial Donations are also welcome. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alta Medea introduced speakers Lisa Roberts, Director of Iowa City Youth Poetry and Caleb Rainey, Poet and author. The Iowa City Youth Poetry began in 2019.  The goal was to reach every high school.  In 2020 they had to use a Hybrid version to keep things going.  

There are several programs:  Spoken Word Club, this is a High School Open Mich to enhance public speaking.   Looking Back at Black American.  The purpose is to teach Balck History and Poetry.  They have been able to go to all four schools, attend 11 classrooms, and affect 277 students.  The teachers have asked them to come back in 2024-2025.  They have every other month "Porch Highlight Hangouts, where they come together with a potluck, social, and may write but not required to write.  

 

There is "A Slam Team Poetry Competition" that is held in Washington DC.

There may be one poet writing the poem or up to three.

The cost to send one person on the trip is $1500

$500 On Poets fare

$100 One-night Hotel

$20 One poets' meal 

The Trip this year will be July 17-21, 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vernette Knapp, President Elect, John McKinstry and Mark Patton led a Club Assembly.

Vernette thanked President Theresa for allowing the assembly to happen during her year.

 

The purpose of the assembly was to engage all members in one of the 7 Areas of Focus

 

The Area of Focus sheets were distributed around the walls and each member was to place three dots on different Areas of Focus.

 

The 7 Areas of Focus are:  Water and Sanitation, Maternal Child and Health, Basic Education and Literacy, Community Economic Development, Support the Environment

Pease and Conflict Resolution, Disease Prevention. 

 

After each member voted, the top 4 Ares of Focus were selected, and the members place a dot in round 
# 2..

 

Those 4 areas sheets were place on separate tables Wherever you placed your dot for round 2 is where you went for discussion. 

 

The 4 Areas of Focus left were:  Basic Education and Literacy, Maternal and Child Health, Disease Prevention, and Support the Environment.

 

Members were to come up with several projects.

 

Vernette Thanked everyone for coming to the meeting today. 

Vernette will compile the results of the 4 Areas for next week meeting.

 

 

 

Liz Nichols introduced Ellie Heiar Outbound Youth Exchange Student from North Liberty, Liberty High School. and Juliette Genin from France and going to City High School. Ellie talked about what was important to her. 

Family and Friends.  She showed many pictures of her friends and family. RYLA was also very important to her as she attended two time.  She had PDG Steve Dakin as her Rotary Counselor and show several pictures of them together. 

She is going to Italy.  She has spoken to her hose family. She has three host siblings.  Her counselor will be the girl from Italy in District 5970 mother.  She is truly grateful for the opportunity to have The Rotary Club of Iowa City AM sponsor her.  

 

Juliette spoke about her year in school. She listed subjects for all trimesters.  She landed on August 17th at 1:00 pm Iowa Time and 8:00 pm France Time. 

On August 18th her host family took her the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.  She was suffering Jet Lag at this time. August 23rd was the 1st day of school. 

Juliette 1st host family was Biran, Brianna, and Charlotte Wills.   Charlotte and Juliette became very close. She attended City High 's Football game.  The lost.  

Juliette 2nd host family was Gregg Gerdes, Mary Murphy, and kids.  Juliette was very fortunate to travel with both host parents and to see a lot in several states.

 

She has traveled to these states:  

Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas City Mo Maryland, Virginia, Texas, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, California and DC.

 

Juliette is fortunate to be able to go on the US Trip from June 13, to July 10, 2024.

When she returns to France, she will have two years of High School left, and she hopes to be very active with ROTEX. 

 

Margy Winkler introduced speaker, Randee Fieselmann speaking on Iowa City Congregational Church Tiffany Window.  Paul Jehle took a picture the church in 1870.  The beautiful Tiffany window was given to the church by the widow of Rev. George Hebard.  The inscription on the window is Rev. George and Margaret Hebard George died in 1970.   Thirty-Two years after George died then Margaret died.  The window was given to the church in 1904.   Randee showed pictures of Margaret and her sons and daughter.  They moved here from New York.  They then moved to Wyoming where she was a professor. 

Randee talked about the Tiffany Company being in business for 40 years.  She talked about the window being in landscape mode.  The window show "The River of Life" with grape vines and flowers. 

Randee talked about beautiful Tiffany windows in Dubuque at a Methodist Church. 

Past President Jenny Seylar introduced the speakers for today-Lorena and Scott Bergin-Kailen Heroes.  Kaitlin's heart for Heroes was established to horror the life of Kaitlin Bergan and her dedication to life as a Firefighter/Paramedic.  Kaitin valued family relationships.  Early in her life she dreamed of becoming a firefighter/paramedic.  Kaitlin began her career as volunteer Fight fighter in Coralville, Iowa while attending the UofL I.  Next, she was a paramedic in Anamosa, She then moved to Memphis, TN to join their Fire Department as elite responder.  Kaitlin pass away by suicide on April 27, 2-22at the age of 27 after suffering from PTSD associated with her work.  Kaitlin's family has dedicated their time to support First Responders and their loved ones experiencing similar crises in their life.  Her parents have created:  "STOMPOUTSTIGMA.".   WHY Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD, Seeking Treatment, Suicide.

They prepare Care Packages consisting of:  Weighted blankets, coloring books, colored pencils, journal. Pamphlet, hand sign, thought cards, bracelet, red/white. And blue ribbons, crystal light, water bottle, quote cards, note pad, pen, lip balm, and stress ball. 

 These care packages will be distributed by a law officer who is part of the Crisis Intervention Team.

Resources:  KHFH SUPPORT GROUP through our Facebook page. 

Any First Responder can request an invitation to our Support Group by emailing us at Kaitlinheartforheroes@gmail.com as this a private group for confidentiality. 

 

 

Mark Emory, member of the Coralville North-Corridor Club introduced Michelle Voss, PHD Director of Brain and Cognitive Lab. The goal is to improve brain health.  How do W.E. get together?  Health Spa mobility and cognitive health is very age related. health Spa is the period of life when we are in good health. She discussed Alzheimer's and dementia.  

Department of Radiology-Cognitive (e.g.) memory and brain interact functions.  Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) works with your heart, maintains brain structure 

Engage your brain, keep it challenged.  Do ceros word puzzles, cryptos anything that will stimulate your brain.     

Ann Romanowski introduced Ann Browning, Principal of Tate High School.  Ann talked about Tate High School MTTSS/PBIS Supports Plan.   The Mission is to maximize every student academic potential and personal well-being through personalized educational experience.  The four areas that are covered:  Academics, Attendance, Behavior, and Mental Health.    There are three tiers to each category.  The Mascot for the school is Tate Warrior.  The name came about as the students said that they are Warriors every day to survive.  If a student is having an issue, they usually attend The Student Advisory Center.  The students are asked to give their cell phones to the teachers.     

Tate High School is able to accommodate 10-12 students in each category. 

To support the food pantry that the school offers, there are fundraisers throughout the year.  Last year our club contributed $3,000.00.

The school has an IEP Individual Education Plan for each student.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack Cameron "Steve "Sherman who grew up in Grinnell Iowa on a farm.  He has written many books.  One that is near and dear to Iowa City.  "Beer Money"

"Beer Money" talks about Iowa City Beer Riots of 1884 that is being produced as a motion picture. "Beer Money" can be purchased at John's Grocery. John Grocery currently has the caves below where the one of the Brewery's existed.

There were many breweries in Iowa City run by the immigrants from Italy, Czech Republic, England, 

This was also the time where P.T. Barnum and Baily Circus came to town. The Circus had jumbo the Elephant. 

There were city officials that were hung. 

To learn more, go to:  www.S.C.Sherman.com. 

 

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Casey Cook called on Phil Jordan to do "What Jazzes You Up"?  Phil said that the Club and members is what kept him going, during the time his wife passed away.   He said I only wrote checks at the time; however, I knew I had the club.  He is very appreciative to all members of the club. Casey asked what was on his "Bucket List'?  Part of Phil's bucket list includes enjoying every moment of every day.  He went on a Mississippi cruise over Christmas.  He enjoyed everything about the cruise.  The crew, the people, food and entertainment.  He would like to go on another river cruise.  While his wife was alive, they enjoyed coffee and taking their dog for walks at the dog parks.  After he retired, he enrolled in a Kirkwood cooking class that he enjoyed.  He plays alto Saxaphone, however is a little rusty at this time. He is also an actor and enjoys the Community Theatre.  He feels that this helps him give back to the community.  

He has two daughters, one is a lawyer, and one is a doctor. 

Vernette Knapp introduced Amiritha Kumar, President of the Roteract Club of Iowa City.  Amiritha grew up in Fairfield and attend Interact there.  She is a senior at the University of Iowa studying Medical Anthropology with a pre-med tract.    Amiritha showed slides of the Executive team.  She talked about the goals of the club.  The main goal is to increase membership.   Jasimine Sanashinh, past president of Roteract is working on increasing membership of the club.  Some of the student involvement includes fairs, pop ice, and working at Open Heartland on service projects with the PM Satellite Club. The Roteract Club has had speakers:  Jim Peterson speaking on Xiocepetec,  Professor Brett Johnosn speaking on journalism, and Amanda McFadden speaking on International Students affairs.  The Rotaract Club of Iowa City sponsored a bus stop in Xiocetepec.  The raised money for this project and "Girls for the Greater Good" award them a scholarship of $1,000.

Amiritha, Jasmine and Allie will leave Saturday March 9, 2024 for their mission with Xiocetepec.  

Amiritha has gone to RYLA and she says that RYLA transforms people in many ways. 

Chirs Knapp presented Amiritaha with a 4-way test coin and a breakfast invitation. 

 

Amy Nicholson introduced Kyle Nicholson and Al Mebus to talk about Safety Village of Johnson County.  Kyle Nicholson is on the Coralville Police force and Al Mebus is a retried policeman.  They have known each other since Kyle was 2 years old.   The Safety Village was founded in 1994.  Safety Village is a two-week summer camp for Johnson County children to learn about personal safety through hands-on activities and presentations in a child-size town complete with buildings, streets traffic lights and pedal-driven vehicles.  Safety Village is located on the campus of Grant Wood Elementary Scholls.  We provide a setting where children can prepare and practice safe habits when in their neighborhoods and community.  Students ages 5, 6, and 7 are lead under the watchful eyes of teachers, area volunteers and first responders. Over 5,000 Johnson County children have graduated from Safety Village.  Currently there are 25-30 children enrolled. 

This is an opportunity for Fireman and Policeman to be with the children under non-threatening circumstances. 

We are very appreciative of the Skaugstad family, Hodge Construct and the Safety Village Board of Directors who have already committed to the campaign to 30 years of Safety Village.  At this time there are many of the buildings and structures in dire need of repair.  Please consider a donation. '. The goal is to raise $50,000.  

During the last snowstorm and derecho, the Safety Village has lost many trees.  Funds are needed to replace trees. 

 

 

Phil Petersen introduced Jennie Schmidt, Executive Director of the Free Medical and Dental Clinic. and Lisa, the new Development Director. Jennie stated that the theme is growth. Their mission is to provide quality health care for the uninsured and underinsured. The clinic is used by many--98% of their patients are uninsured/underinsured, 83% from Johnson County, and 61% are employed. Many of their patients have complex needs. The Free Medical Clinic helps with the Health Kids program at ICCSD. They run clinics and a laboratory. They can help provide insulin to people. Their service providers include over 200 volunteers.

 

Their biggest challenge is growing demand as they serve thousands of patients and are booking medical appointments into May. Challenges also include that 

The Free Medical Clinic had a grant to hire a dentist as of October 1, 2023--the dental waiting list was 1 year in fiscal year 2023. Their dental team includes three Spanish speakers. Kirkwood dental hygiene students are helping in the dental clinic. They have new groups funded by grants, including Wednesdays for Women group and Diabetic Education and Support groups (which they can offer in Spanish). The Free Medical and Dental Clinic is also working with OPN Architects to improve their space. 

 

Lisa stated that keeping patients out of emergency care saves money and "we can be proud" that we are one of the oldest medical clinics. They are hoping to get more people on board and she asks that you please like The Free Medical Clinic on Facebook. They have an unticketed event May 1 at the Kirkwood Room.

 

They appreciate Rotary helping to fund the moving of the electrical meters to outside at a cost of about $25,000. Brianna Hoffman was instrumental along with other Rotary clubs.

Sue Cronin introduced speaker Brett Erickson, who spoke about Faith Academy. Faith Academy is a private Christian school in Iowa City whose idea originated in 2013 out of the Parkview Church. Faith Academy's demographics include West African refuges and families from Chicago. Mr. Erickson's wife works at the school and their sons attend Faith Academy. Mr. Erickson stated Faith Academy tries to infuse hope in its students and to provide cross cultural experiences, including a past opportunity coding with a school in Egypt. The students day starts with chapel. Faith Academy seeks to be funded by the community--prior to ESAs (education savings accounts) being offered in Iowa, Faith Academy was 100% funded by the community and subsequent to ESAs, Faith Academy is 53% funded by the community. 

 

Fifty-three percent of Faith Academy's 4th graders read on grade level. The teacher child ratio is 1 to 15. The school provides bussing. Faith Academy has seven grades now and will be adding another grade next year. Faith Academy does not plan to offer high school. Faith Academy works to have students treat others as they want to be treated--"each other bears the image of God." In the next ten years, Faith Academy wants to double its enrollment by adding additional classrooms at each grade level. Ways to partner with Faith Academy include the following:  annual fundraising banquet, donate, volunteer, visit--every third Thursday of the month from 8:15 to 9:00 a.m. is an open house, and pray. Faith Academy is accredited with Christian Schools International. Parents pay a sliding scale tuition based on income. Full tuition is $9,000 for one year. 

Mark Stanley introduced Gralon McGaffin State Director Nature Conservatory.  He talked about the mission:  To conserve the lands and water in which all life depends.  It began in 1963 in Iowa.  60 years 23 staff working 20,000 acres.  He showed many photos of Iowa Cedar Rive Bank, , Des Moines Riverbank, Loss Hills, Missouri River, and Little Sioux Valley.

They want to have active land, grow climate program and advocate at all levels.

There are outreach programs in Linn, Dallas, Warren, Jackson, Johnson and Polk counties. 

 

 

Today there was no speaker.

President Theresa had asked members to list three items that other members would have to guess who they were.

Theresa read several.  It was a lot of fun. 

This was a way to get to know each other better.

 

Due to Winter Weather storm there was no meeting today. 

Karen Franklin introduced the speakers:  Sarah Nelson CEO Community, moved from Colorado 3 years ago and Emma Nelson who is the Animal Caretaker, Peer support specialist.  Colorado 10 years barns and animals reg and national champion Western Pleasure

Healing Prairie Farms provide a place for youth.  There is individual. And family stays.  They provide therapeutic recreation in art and gardening.  There are 8 beds for 3-10 day stay.  There are 4 beds for a two day stay.  

The Healing Prairie Farms is supported by Community involvement, grants, and IRS reimbursement.  

Why does the heling farms work?    The kids are close to nature, gardening, and animals.  This is all very therapeutic and healing.  There is staff on duty 24-7.

There will be an open house:  HYGGE OPEN HOUSE, Sunday January 14, 2:00 -5:0 pm.  There will be self-guided tours, crafts, warm sup, bonfire, and cozy vibes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

y stay 

 

Today was Secret Santa Gift Exchange.  There were many wonderful gifts exchanged among our members and guest AG Mark Ruggeberg.

Some gits were candles, candy, pottery Christmas baking dish, golf balls, Fitz and Floyd Cheese and spreader, apple peeler, Cranberry bread, sparkling candle holders, ham and food items, candy and lotto tickets and may others 

What fun we had. 

 

 

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Karin Franklin introduced Peter Rolnick who is an emeritus physics professor and amateur musician.  He has taught at Truman State.   In retirement he became the Iowa State Coordinator of Citizens Climate Lobby.  His talk was "Realistic Climate Legislation Realistic Impact.  The truth is we are Buring Up.  The world is getting warmer.  The population is growing.  We must minimize the damage.  We can do this by building political goodwill.  WE must lobby, have grassroot outreach.  Miller-Meeks is co-chair House Conservation Climate Chane.  Grassley has work with Cory Booker in bi-partisan conservation reserve program act. 

For more information you can email Peter at prolnick@icloud.org.  Phone 660-342-3671. 

 

 

Simon Andrew, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, spoke about his work with The Housing Fellowship and about the organization itself. Simon's background includes employment with the City of Iowa City in budgeting and working with Habitat for Humanity in Uganda. The Housing Fellowship is a not for profit organization that manages 207 housing units and strives to provide affordable maintained housing to adults who are primarily greater than 25 years of age (federal requirement). Its typical client is not a student. The Housing Fellowship often supports scattered site housing, which fits into neighborhoods and most families stay a few years. Johnson County, Iowa, is the most expensive place to live in Iowa. The Housing Fellowship rent ranges start at $400 per month, and some market rate housing is available with no external compliance requirements. When there is no debt on housing, Simon said it is easier to keep housing affordable. The Housing Fellowship team consists of seven individuals, including Simon. He posed the question--"What sets The Housing Fellowship apart?" It is not unusual to have tenants with a past due balance, and during the pandemic, The Housing Fellowship helped folks access debt relief funds. The Housing Fellowships also works with other not for profits, including DVIP and the Shelter House. The Housing Fellowship does not need credit checks and is lenient with background checks of applicants. The Housing Fellowship has a twelve member board and 100% of equity stays in Johnson County. There will be a student built Leed certified house on Ronald Street available in the future, and The Housing Fellowship will acquire some houses by selling others with the intent of renting them affordably. In response to questions, The Housing Fellowship does refer tenants to Iowa Legal Aid and does validate the financial circumstance of their clients. The audience thanked Simon for speaking and he stayed to answer questions after the meeting adjourned.

Jennifer Skarda introduced Tim Ruth, Co-Owner of Mc Creedy Construction. Tim talked about High School Students in the Construction Trade.  He is President of the Home Builders Association. In 1993, he was in construction management.  He teaches construction management at Kirkwood.  In 1990 he worked on Oakdale Prison.  In 1993 he received his degree.  He has worked on the Red River Hospital Project in Burlington.  

Tim's philosophy is to always finish a project early to collect the funds sooner.   He enjoys working Kalona.  Building permits are easy to obtain. 

Tim said that we need more women in the profession.  He worked at Riverside Elementary School and now his children and grandchildren have gone to this school.  It really has a lot of meaning to Tim. 

Tim's motto is "Always Give Back to the Community". 

 

Liz Nichols introduced Juliette Genin, Rotary Youth Exchange.  Juliette talked about the history of Verdun, France where she is from.  The population is 23,000.1387-1443 was the 100-year war.  1778-1795 was the French Revolution where they beheaded the King and Queen.  1914-1918 World War1 between France and Germany.  1931-1945 World War 11 where there were Jewish people held at Auschwitz.  Juliette is from Verdun, Franch with a population of 23,000.  She showed a chart with listing:  Liberty=People, Equality=Reality, and Brother=People Her mother is a teacher in French Modern Art, and her dad is teacher in Junior High Physics and Chemistry.  She talked about education in France being very entailed compared to classes in America.  She begins her day at 6:00 am and ends at 6:00 pm.   She said the rooster is a symbol of pride,

 

She showed many photos of France. 

Deb Dunkhase and her guest Dr. John Canady spoke on Iowa M.O.S.T.  Dr. Canady said this mission has been going for 19 years.   Dr. Bill Olin, Dr. Pete Wallace, Dr. John Canady, PDG Gary and Nancy Pacha started Iowa M.O.S.T in 2005.

1 in 600 people Guatemalan's have cleft lip or cleft palate or both. The mission is now doing cataract surgeries.  She and Dr. Canady showed many pictures of patient's year after year.  The people trust the Iowa M.O.S.T. team.   The people will walk for miles to a bus to transport them to Huehuetenango hospital for surgeries.  Typically, the Drs. preform. Around 65 surgeries per year.   The mission this year will be January 19-28 and January 24-31 for cataract surgery. 

 

Past President, Amy Nicholson, spoke on "The Rotary Club of E. Clubs of Global Travelers, her Kenya Trip.  She talked about the benefits of traveling with Rotary Global Travelers.  She met many Rotarians from all over the world. 

She showed slides of many schools and children that she met.  She will travel many more trips. 

 

Myrene Hoover introduced the Stanley Museum of Art's Director Lauren Lessing who gave a dynamic presentation! The Stanley Museum works with 200 University of Iowa personnel across the curriculum and saw 4,000 kindergarten through twelfth grade school children. It has had programs three times per week, including a mobile opera. Since it is a new building, the staff is learning what the building can accommodate and what opportunities it can host. There are twelve staff members, including Lauren Lessing and they could use more staff. The building is being considered for an American Art Institute award. The staff can support University of Iowa's researchers, can work to bring the University together, and can teach and serve as a public forum. Director Lessing recommends Palaces for the People. The author argues its important to have shared buildings' spaces and be able to sit in a room with people who disagree with us and have a conversation. Museums have a role to play--we've got to get people out of their shells and have a conversation about art they may not like.

 

The staff learned a lot during COVID about bringing art to where the people are at and about the power of art to comfort us in grief and help us be well. Museums are working on racial justice issues and have a lot to do given their history with colonialism and changing the culture of places they were at. The Stanley is a young museum and is working on justice issues. They want the museum to survive into the 21st century. The Stanley has a print show opening in March. The Stanley also has an exhibition celebrating Keith Haring, a graffiti artist, who visited Iowa City and Horn Elementary [see https://stanleymuseum.uiowa.edu/art/exhibitions/upcoming/keithharing]. The goal for the Stanley is to raise $55 million for the museum and they will ask for money.

Amanda McFadden introduced the speaker, Dr. Liang Chee Wee PhD., who is the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Chancellor/Director. The most interesting and motivational topic was "We Do Life Together." Dr. Wee came to the United States in 1983. He had previously served in the Singapore Armed Forces and grew up in a rural village. He is the 39th recorded generation of his family with a family history going back 1,000 years, and his family included fisherman, farmers, and scholars. Dr. Wee began his speech with an anecdote about how his wife broke her wrist leaving a shuttle at the airport, they went to Mayo Clinic, and were fortunate to find key people on duty. A lady at Mayo's brought him a chair while he was waiting for his wife and told him to let her know if he needed anything. The lady was a custodian who then started cleaning rooms. This event reminded him of how important everyone is in an organization. In a typical hospital, there are 3 nurses to 1 doctor, which is 40%. Who is the other 60%? Sometimes we don't pay enough attention to the other 60%. He stated "we do life together" and need to be curious about people we don't know. He considers this experience a blessing. When he told the Mayo's doctor about his experience, the doctor said "that's how we roll here."

 

Dr. Wee asks how many understand the mission and values of an organization? Mayo's mission statement included compassion and teamwork, including unsurpassed collaboration. That night, he experienced the "magic of humantiy." He asks himself, am I curious about others? Nowadays, he pays attention to what goes on around him. He articulated the 4 way test of Rotary and highlighted building trust among each other so we can do good work together. Let the 4 way test guide our relationships in life.

 

He said his Mom had to quit school when she was 10 to help support her family who was poor and that she and his father valued education. He had grandparents who couldn't understand each other's language; however, his Mom did. Growing up, he learned four languages. Casey Cook asked Dr. Lee how old he was when he left Singapore--21 years. Mark Patton asked about raising pay for lower paid professions. Dr. Wee stated the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges are trying to work with employers to provide a pathway so a CNA can become an LPN for example. Employers could subsidize employees' child care so an employee can go to school. Consider whether employers can create pool of money to subsidize childcare? Dr. Wee wears a Colin Powell pin--every child every promise and expands it to every person every promise--to remind him of what community college is for. Everyone is admitted. He closed by reciting the four way test.

Mary Murphy introduced the speaker John Daershuk , Director Officer of the Archologist OSA.  His topic is:  Abbie Gardner Sharp Historic Cabin Site.  John is a teacher at the University of Iowa.  He has BA from Carleton University.

The Research Center started in 1959.  It has 21 salaried employees plus students and project specific assistants. The Archeologist are associated with Anthropology.  The Office of the State Archaeologist responsibilities are:

Protection of ancient human remains, IA State File (cas.31,000 recorded archeological sites. Research, advocacy and growing and preserving the past.  Educate the public about reporting and appreciating the past.  Collaborate and consultation State Historical Society of Iowa.  Federal Agencies. FHNA, CUE, and FEMA.  

 In 1866 the Abbie Gardner Site as developed.  There are 143 acres.  In 1867 there was the Spirit Lake Massacre killing 33 people.  Abbie was captured when she was 13 years old.  There are sux cabins around Spirit Lake.  The Archeological 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pam Ehly introduced speaker Chant Eicke.  Chant has a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, from the University of Oregon.  He has been in Environmental Consulting in Johnson County for 16 years, at Impact 7G and EarthView Environmental.  He leads a team of 11 environmental scientist based out of North Liberty.  They conduct work ranging from Controlled burns to prairie and woodland restoration wetland delineation, habitat surveys and archaeological. investigations. 

Chant talked about the controlled burns that have been done in Hickory Hill Park.  He talked about the importance of safety at all times.  The team embers wear fireproof pants shirts, gloves and helmets. 

Safety Team Cohesion:  Clear objective, clear plan, clear process, clear responsibilities, Contingency planning:  Fire Breaks.  Back up water is the 3rd and 4th recourse.

Let's Burn Process:  1.  Establish Action Plan, 2. Back Burn, 3. Flank Burn 4. Head Fire.  Wind is the captain.

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Peggy Doerge introduced Lesley Wright, Director certificate in spirituality and community and a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's in human development.  Since the early 2000; s Prairiewood's and its programs. have shaped her spiritual journey and offered sanctuary.  Prairiewood is 70 acres dating back to 1834. Six Franciscan Sisters help to break ground in 1995. 35 acres of restored prairie, 27 acres of restored woodlands, 1/4 mile of dry creek, A Healing Garden was added along with a Green Prairie Garden with fresh produce. They have a guest house for 37 people and a conference center. 

The mission of Prairiewood's Franciscan Spiritually Center is a sacred space where people of all faiths and cultures are invited to explore and nurture their relationship with the Source of all Being, Earth, Self, and others with an increasing awareness of the story of the Universe.  The eight dimensions of Wellness are:  Social, Emotional, Spiritual, Occupational, Financial, Environmental, Physical, Intellectual, ,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assistant Governor, Mark Ruggeburg, introduced District Governor Dennis Drager.  Dennis was raised on a family farm outside of Tipton, Iowa.  He enlists4ed for four years in the US Airforce.  He attended Iowa State University graduating from Venenary School in 1985.  He practiced in Illinois and Wisconsin then moving to Marshalltown.  After 36 years he is semi-retired.  Dennis joined Rotary in 2000.  He has gone to Xicotepec 2 years and participated in a project fair in Africa where he administered polio vaccine.  Dennis and Heidi married in 2006.  Heidi joined Rotary in 2021 when Dennis was nominated to serve as District Governor.  Heidi is a charter representative for Allegiant Airlines.  Mark talked about the value of RLI and Dennis echoed the value to all Rotarians.  RLI will be held October 14 in Mt. Pleasant Iowa. 

The District Celebration will be held in Pella at the Pella Opera House.  There will be a 4-Way test contest.  More information will be coming out on how to proceed with the contest.  This evening 9/26 from 5:30 to 7:00 there will be a Foundation Social at Reunion Brewery downtown.  Dennis and Heidi developed a Rotary Action Group for Mental Health. You can join the RAG for Mental Health for $35.  Dennis told several storied about helping the homeless people.  The mission of Mental Health Initiatives Rotary District 6000 Chapter. 

Transforming Mental Illness to Mental Wellness One Life at a Time.  Mission:  To create and provide opportunities for all Rotarians in our District to improve their mental, emotional and behavior health in order to lead a healthy, happy and productive life.

To provide support for clubs in the implementation of mental health projects and initiatives in our district and beyond. 

To provide a variety of helpful mental health resources in our District that result in a measurable impact on the mental wellness of our club and committees. 

 

 

PDG John Ockenfels talked about:  "Around The World Flight To End Polio".  John Ockenfels and Peter Tehan began their flight May 5, 2023 and returned July 30, 2023.  The aircraft they flew was CessnaN732WP. They flew 30,000 miles, 90 days and were able to go to 24 of the 29 countries planned.  The flight had been delayed 2020, 2021 because of Covid and 2022 because Russia would not let them in.  They had to work on a new route. The flight began and landed in New Hampshire where they were stranded for several days due to the alternator failure.   Once the plane was fixed, they were able to continue. One of the highlights was May 19, John's Birthday where they flew from Goose Bay to Reykjavik which was 1,551 miles.   John showed many slides of the trip and flights that were taken.  He showed both he and Peter giving Polio drops in the children of Pakistan.  

On July 15, 2023, they flew Brisbane, Australia to Brisbane emergency 2hours 20 minutes due to alternator failure, they had a backup alternator.  

They had to fly Pago Pago to Honolulu.  They had planned to land at Christmas Island; however, they were unable to purchase gas.  John for 45 minutes thought they did not have enough fuel.  He had miscalculated.  There was actually 2 1/2 hours left in fuel when they landed. 

On July 26, they flew Kahului to Oakland, CA 2,390 miles and 14hours 10 min.  

Peter was asked by a reporter." Do you hope Polio will end in your lifetime "?  He said "NO".  John said the reporter dropped the pen, there was silence and Peter said "I Believe that Polio will end in my Lifetime".  

The World Health, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation all are helping to end Polio. in our lifetime. 

So.  "Some Just Hope for an End to Polio We Firmly Believe". 

Jim Peterson talked about the Xicotepec Project that has been going for 20 years. The first contact was in 2001, first visit 2002, 49 to March 2003.  2023 was the first mission since 2019 due to Covid. There have been over 1000 team members half under the age of 30.   2/3 are females and ages from 3 to 8l years old.   Allie, Jasmine, and Katie all went on the 2023 mission and plan to go again in 2024.  The U of I pharmacy students treated over 3000 children for worms.  There are several teams:  Dental team provides checkups and fluoride treatments, water team installed 24 purification systems in school and public schools., construction team lead by Allie, and the Public Health Team wotks with domestic violence.   

Mark Patton introduced Emergency Medicine Physician, Dr. Amanda Irish, who spoke about the "Infectious Disease Outlook for Fall/Winter 2023-2024." "The usual suspects so far" are RSV, Influenza, Covid, and the common cold viruses and bacteria.  New data suggests Omicron (Covid) has 4 times the risk of death as influenza. She stated RSV is the leading cause of senior death. Moving indoors for school, holidays, etc. increases the risk of catching an infectious disease. Predictions can be hard to make because SARS-Cov-2 has not yet settled into a predictable seasonal pattern.

 

Last year RSV and the flu came earlier. The United States looks to Australia to select flu strains because flu season comes earlier there. Australia looks better this year. There is a new variant of the flu--BA623.  Masks work and getting the flu vaccine reduces the risk of having a severe infection. Currently, Omicron XBB and the new EG.5 variant (Eris) along with BA.2.86 (pirola) are causing an increase in cases. BA.2.86 is spreading rapidly; however, it is unknown whether it will cause severe disease or be a dud. 

 

Steps people can take to stay healthy and prepare include good diet, exercise, coughing in elbow (not hand), handwashing, doing what is right for you and consider carrying a mask for use in public settings, and getting vaccinations/booster for annual influenza, Covid, and against RSV.  The influenza vaccine is the "best way to prevent infection and/or complications." Everyone > 6 months of age should get one. There will be a new Covid booster coming out in mid to late September. Fall boosters will target XBB.1.5. Health experts recommend everyone receive the Covid vaccine and/or booster. A person can get Covid with the flu. The RSV vaccine is recommended for persons > 60 years and people can catch RSV now. The RSV vaccine "protects against severe illness with 82-86% efficacy." If one does get sick, consider Remdesivir (IV) and Paxlovid should be started within 5 days of an illness if used. Also, having a pulse oximeter can help a person decide when to go to the hospital. In response to a question, Dr. Irish suggested the following can also be helpful--having a humidifier for home, vicks vapo rub, lots of fluids, Tylenol, and Motrin. She does not love Mucinex, which may cause side effects. The club thanked Dr. Irish for attending and speaking about this very important topic.

Deb Dunkhase introduced Lisa Stark, Education and Outreach Coordinator, of Johnson County.  Grow Johnson County is a community focused educational farm located in Iowa City.  Sitting on 5 acres of country-owned lard, Grow produces high-quality organic fruits and vegetables and freely distributes all produce to local social service agencies throughout Johnson County.  Grow's mission is to improve healthy food access through sustainable food production and hands-on education. 

Since 2016, Grow has distributed over 160,000 pounds of good food to our neighbors in need and has educated farm apprentices, youth groups, community members, and volunteers.  A survey was completed to show the most popular vegetables:  cherry tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes.  

She talked to about the Johnson County Poor Farm established in the 19th century. The farm opened in 1855and cared for the indigent, mentally ill, and disabled.  There is a cemetery, fertile farmland pollinator, meadows, wetlands, woodlands, and timbers. 

For more information visit www.growjohnsoncounty.org

Nancy Pacha introduced Diana Thayer speaking on Historic Preservation of the Fairview Church in Wapello Iowa in Louisa County.  She talked about the difference between a burial ground and a cemetery.  A burial ground is associated with a church.  A cemetery is not associated with any church.  The church was built in 1905 after the original church was destroyed by a storm in 1858.  Showed many pictures of the outside and interior of the church.  The churches roof was leaking and destroyed an organ.  The church was last used on Christimas Eve in the 70's.  The church was locked and ignored into disrepair.  There was left with debris and animal droppings.  It felt like ocean waves.  The walls were filled with racoons.   The church was designed by Harry O Peace, whose descendants still live and work in the vicinity.  Through much hard work with much of the community and many donations the church is being restored. It is now part of a restoration project. 

Casey Cook introduced Marguerite Oetting, Medical Director and UIHC Pediatrician of Healthy Kids Community Care.  The mission:  When children are ill and cannot get the health care they need, they have more school absences, difficulty learning, and they do not learn how to care for their own health.  The mission is to work collaboratively with local medical partners to provide accessible primary care from birth through high school. The need of the unmet health care needs of children in our community.  An average0 5-7% of ICCSD students lack health insurance.  There are now more than 400 homeless students in our communities.  There are several barriers to health care:  Lack of health insurance, Unaffordable, copay or deductible, Parent does not speak English, Parent cannot take time off of work, Lack of transportation.  Why we have school-based clinics?  Convenient locations, comfortable environment for students and families, minimizes time away from learning.  Early identification of health problems by school personnel.

The Downtown Iowa City Rotary Club was pleased to have the RYLA and World Affairs Seminar students join their meeting, where they were introduced by Nancy Pacha, who is one of the Rotary liaisons to the West High School Interact Club. Nancy thanked a number of Rotarians who helped, including Gregg Probst (counselor), Margy Winkler (West High Interact liaison), Liz Loeb (volunteer presenter at RYLA) and those who interviewed prospective attendee students.

 

There were ten World Affairs students and six RYLA students, many of whom attended this meeting with some of their family members. Nancy first had the RYLA students come up to the front as a group. The students answered Nancy's questions stating RYLA showed them "anyone can be a leader," the team and team leader were "really great people," the team was "very energetic," and the student "would like to continue volunteering." Another student added that she will take from the experience that "you shouldn't let fear hold you back from trying new things." RYLA students used words to express their experiences, including transformative, friendship, bonds, life changing. Rotarian and RYLA volunteer, Liz Loeb, said it was a "happy place."

 

Nancy then asked the World Affairs Seminar students about their experiences. A student described this year's theme as climate change with a focus on what students could do to help. The students described building connections; meeting people from other countries; their experiences, including writing a treaty for a country to use as a proposal for other countries; and learning that everyone has a voice. Students used words to describe their experience including amazing, thought provoking, inspiring, inclusive, and informative.

 

Students introduced their family members present and parents thanked the club for sending students. 

Phil Peterson introduced Adrianne Korbakes Chief Operation Officer of CommUnity Crisis Services.  CommUnity is located at Pepperwood Place in Iowa Cit.  CommUnisty began in 1978.  The mission of the crisis center is:  To provide weekly grocery and household items to the residence of Johnson County. There is grocery delivery and a mobile pantry.  There are 15 cites for delivery. 

Financial Support:  To help educate and help with employment items, ID and Birth Certificate assistance, provide clothing, household items, gas vouchers, rent and utility assistance, security deposit, help with careers, and provide laptops for students.  

Crisis Helpline Service (CHS) Two Iowa Crisis centers to answer the 988 Suicide crisis line.  The training for crisis hotline volunteers is for a 60-hour time frame.  There has been additional staff for LBGQT individuals. There is now a Mobile Crises Response Unit (MCR) was launched in 2015, dispatches in Iowa and Johnson counties, providing a variety of services for youth mobile crisis, DEI support, counselors on call.  CommUnity has purchased Kinder Farms of 9 acres.   

CommUnity's funding is provided through grants, contracts, and in-kind donations. 

  

John McKinstry introduced Jessica Andino, Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition Executive Director.  She received her BA in 2013 and is currently pursuing a PhD in the Community and Behavioral Health Department.   Affordable Housing and Homelessness.  The mission is to provide affordable housing and housing services to low-income households, persons with disabilities and those with special needs.  Affordable housing in Johnson County is difficult.  The median income is $129,500. There are zoom meetings the 4th Friday of the month. Some area nonprofits working with the coalition are Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, Shelter House, The Housing Fellowship, and DVIP.

Deb Ockenfels gave an update on the Flight to End Polio.  They are in Australia.  There will be homecoming breakfast at the C. R. Airport July 30, 7:00 am-11:00 am.  The pilolts are expected around 9:00 am   Deb will get the address for everyone. 

 

Karen Franklin updated us on Timothy Massawe D9214 Uganda and Tanzania.  He is past AG and President.  He spoke to us via zoom to our club 3/1/2022 about the Saidia Agriculture and Social Care Organization (SASCO) that he works with to help marginalized or vulnerable children receive an education.  Last fall the Board approved supporting a young girl getting an education through Timothy's organization with fund from the Opportunity Fund. Anastanzia was orphaned at 6 years old.  She was left in the care of her grandfather old and sickly.  The club is supporting her with $1,000 each year for six year.  This covers room, board, and books.

Mark Patton introduce Michelle Kenyon, Executive Director of Field to Family.  She served on the Johnson County Food Policy Council from 2013-2019 serving as Chair for 6 of those 8 years.  She serves on three statewide councils:  The Iowa Food Hub Managers Working Group, Iowa Community Foo Distribution Committee and was recently appointed by Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture to the state Local Food and Farm Advisory Council. The mission of Field to Family works sto create a more local, healthy food system.  We envision a region where people ear with the seasons, where farmers make a living, and our ecosystem is diverse, and healthy. 

Field to Family supports Farm to School serving 36 schools within 100 miles, Online Farmers Market, Wholesale Procurement, Local Food Explorer.

They Grow Wholesale, Education, and Connections.  For additional information:  info@fieldtofamily.org.

Karin Franklin introduced today's speaker Brenda Gardner speaking on Electric Vehicles. She spoke about all the advances in electric vehicles.   The city has an electric bus and is looking at Fire Trucks and many other city vehicles.  Charging stations are very important to the infrastructure of electric vehicles.  Level one.  Plug into a standard 120V wall outlet. Connectors are provided with most EVs.  Great for overnight of workplace charging. Ideal for commutes up to 40 miles.

Level 2.   240-volt outlet   Faster charging for longer drives DC fast charge.  Must faster charging at public locations.  There are fully electric and gas and electric known as hybrid vehicles.  500 gallons save is equal to 119 trees planted and growing for 10 years.  

Vernette Knapp introduced Jasmine Sanasinh and Amritha Kumar who were the speakers today.  Jasmine is the Rotaract President and on the board of the Iowa City PM Satellite Club. 

Jasmine is a senior at the U of I and is graduating in December 2023 with a BS in Global Health Studies, certificates in Public Health and Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy.   She was in Interact in District 5970.  She has been to RYLA and was a team leader for two years.  She was able to join the March 2023 Xicotepec Project.  

Amritha Kumar grew up in Fairfield, IA   She is a junior at the U of I and is studying Medical Anthropology on a pre-med track with a Spanish minor.  Amritha was a member of the Fairfield's Interact Club and attended RYLA in 2019.  She is the secretary of the Rotaract club and will be President next year.  Amritha attended the Xicotepec Project in March. 

Jasmine and Amritha showed a video of their travels in Xicotepec.  They enjoyed visiting many schools and doing projects with the children.   They shared stories of their host familes and the food that they enjoyed.   Both Jasmine and Amritha plan to go on the trip in 2024.

 

Mark Patton introduced Dr. Lee Alward who has published over 250 articles and books, worked for the National Health Service in Alaska years ago (and built a dog sled there), and is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Dr. Alward started his talk with "a guy who walks into" and proceeded to describe a patient who had glaucoma and also had many family members who developed glaucoma at a young age. Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Dr. Alward's daughter, Dr. Erin Boese, also studies and operates on glaucoma patients. Because of this gentleman's family and another family, Dr. Alward and others have been able to study the genetics of glaucoma with the end goal of making better treatments. Current treatments may include medical management (e.g., drops) to lower eye pressure and surgical treatment. Dr. Alward's presentation about how "following a family with inherited glaucoma has led to the discovery of an important gene for glaucoma" which has important ramifications going forward, was fascinating.

Rotary Club of Iowa City A.M. gathered at the Free Medical Clinic (FMC) of Iowa City, and Mark Patton introduced Jennie Schmidt, its Executive Director. The FMC is the second longest operating free medical clinic in the United States. It moved to its current building in 2006. The FMC provides free medical and dental services to primarily low income Johnson County residents through its medical and dental clinics. Its facilities include a medication dispensary, an on-site laboratory, 6 medical exam rooms, and 2 dental operatories plus administrative offices. Demand is growing and expected to increase due to the end of Medicaid expansion. The FMC is undergoing a phased renovation plan to make its facilities more accessible, usable, welcome, and energy efficient (through a solar project, which Rotary has supported). Dr. Cecilia Norris, the FMC Medical Director spoke about grants, vital community partnerships, and the need for donations and services to support patients. In 2022, 1,448 individuals were helped, and 98% of patients are uninsured or underinsured. The FMC relies on volunteer help and could use more volunteers such as dentists. The FMC is premised on the belief that "access to health care is a basic human necessity and right."

 

The FMC will be celebrating 50+ years on June 1, 2023, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Clinic at 2440 Towncrest in Iowa City. The public is welcome, and there will be a free-will donation with Maggie's Farm pizza and live music with a short program at 6:00 p.m.

Speaker Miriam Timmer, Co and Vice president of the League of Women Voters Johnson County spoke on "Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy".

Miriam is an attorney.  Iowa has always been well represented in women's suffrage.  Miriam gave an run down on:

"Who Can Vote" from 1776-1962.  1776-land owners' white men over 21, 1856-all white men, 1870-black men, 15th Amendment, 1920-Women 19th Amendment, 1924-Native Americans, 1943-Chinese Americans, 1961-Washington DC citizens for Pres at least 23rd Amendment, 192-Poor, no poll taxes 24th Amendment, 1965-Black Voting Rights Act,

People died for this right to vote:  Vinea Liuzzo, Medgar Evers, and Marthin Luther King, Jr., 1971, 18-21 years old 26th Amendment, also eligible for the draft!

The current goal of the League is to help people register to vote, lobby for good government, and to educate.

Nenu Piragine introduced Yasmina Sahr talking on" SWANA" What is it?  Why is it?  She is studying advance for SW Asian, North Africa, and Arab communities. SWANA-South, Western, Asian North Africa and Arab. The Muslims celebrate RamAan den by fasting from Sunrise to Sundown. Yasmina said To Support the International SWANA Community is to be Anti-Imperialism:  Against Colonization, Pro Women's Right and Pro Choice, Anti-Racist Anti Sexual violence, for, For Healthcare Equity-Amti-Police Brutality.  It is important to understand the terms of the 1st world, 2nd world and 3rd world and the south. 

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT:  Educate yourself and your peers without depending on SWANA Americans to work for you.  Amplify, but don't speak for, Be an informed consumer. Promote Arab American History Month.  Pay attention to Global Events, Many SWANA Americans have family living abroad.

PDG Chris Knapp introduced PDG Tom Gump and RIPN Stepanie Urchick.  Tom is a member of the Rotary Club of Edina Morningside.  He was District governor in 2020-2021.   Tom has formed many caused based clubs:  veterans focusing on human trafficking, Rotary Corps for Refugees.  He is one of only 95 Rotarians in the world to be named to The Gold Level of The Membership Society for New Member Sponsors bringing in 50 active members to his club.   He has held many positions within Rotary and is RIPN Stephanie Urchick aside.  Dr. Stephanine Urchick is a member of the Rotary Club of McMurrary, Pennsylvania.  She has held mamu positions in Rotary and is currently Rotary International Presidental Nominee.  Tom and Stephanie "Tagged teamed the presentation").   Action Plan to Energize the Club:   Rotary Vision Statement "Together we see a world where People united and take action to Create lasting Change across the globe in our communities and in ourselves.  

ROTARY'S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES:  Increase Our Impact, Expand Our Reach, Enhance Participant Engagement, and Increase our Ability to Adapt.  

Tom and Stepanie stressed the need to have continuity from one leader to the next leader.  They also said keeping the club members engaged. 

Complete a vision and strategic planning session.   Conduct a club survey to determine what the members woudl like to do and how they would like the meetings to look. 

Sarah Gardener, coordinator of the Iowa City Action Plan.  The goal is to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 45% 2030 and 0% 2050.  In 2020 they were down because of the pandemic.  They are gradually going up once again.  Residential use at homes in Iowa City.  Energy 2.9tons in 2018 down to 2.3tons in 2021.  Replacing all light bulbs with LED's will help.  In 2020 there were 2000 energy kits delivered to households. A mascot Goldie was developed to grow awareness of the serious of this problem. A study was done on different types of transportation.  59% of people drive alone, 3% bike, 12% walk, transit 3% carpool 7%.  Promote electrical vehicles.  The city has 4 electrical buses.  

Sarah expressed the need for charging stations. She also talked about recycling and important it is. Trees help.  The City of Iowa City is handing out 50% vouchers for trees.  

President Jenny called the meeting to order at 7:05 am.  Prior to the meeting several members labeled dictionaries. The members delivering. dictionaries:  Phil Peterson, Mark Patton,

Peggy Doerge, Joan Garity, Sue Cronin, Pam Ehly, Joan Nobling, Chris Knapp, Vernette Knapp.

The meeting today was to brainstorm on what we could do for a District Grant.  President Elect Theresa Burns talked about some changes to the process this year for completing a grant.  The entire process for District Grants will be done on Club Runner.  Goals must be entered in My Rotary on R. I. site. She talked about the point grading system. She also had a list of this current year's community grants.   Several members talked about previous grants.  Hazel-Human Trafficking Bill Boards:  Alta said there is still a board up by Mt. Plesant.

Amy:  13 Buddy Benches Elementary Schools.  Deb:  Talked about The Coat Project, last year was the Shoe Project, Pam: Talk about Family Sanction Room at the Childrens Museum.

Everyone talked about grants at their tables.  The ideas will be shared next week. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 am. 

 

Karin Franklin, Program Coordinator for February, introduced Brianna Hoffman from the Rotary Club of Iowa City Downtown.   She discussed Solar Panels for non-profit.  There first project for DVIP, 2021-2022.  They put on 128 panels.  The benefits are reducing the carbon footprint and monies saved on utilities.  The current project is The Free Medical Clinic.  This morning the Rotary Club of Iowa City AM presented the Rotary Club of Iowa Downtown with a $6500.00 check for the Free Medical and Dental Clinc.  The cost of the project has increased.   There was a $20,000 increase due to an electrical problem. The club has been given an extension to complete the project into 2024.  The Downtown club did a District Grant for $10,000, There was an amanous donation of $5000, and Kim Schilling donated $4,000.  This project will reduce the carbon footprint and save the clinic several thousand dollars per year. 

 

Today we were off site at Open Heartland.  Deb Dunkhase founder of Open Heartland gave a summary of what is Open Heartland.  She said that they were very lucky too have a home at their current location.  The building had not been used for three.  There were many volunteers to spruce the building as to what it is today.  It began with a few people needing help.  Today there are 350 families that need help.  Open Heartland is a 501C3 nonprofit organization.  The members have a leadership team that has helped to determine what the members need.  Tutoring the children, learn to sew-Deb Ockenfels started a sewing club. Everything is free of charge.  The PM Satellite club once a month packs food bags consisting of sugar, cornmeal, wipes, and other items that the family needs. The one main concept of Open Heartland is friendship, Acts of Love.  She said multiple families live together because they do not have the funds to live alone. 

Deb Dunkhase and Mark Ruggeberg gave tours of the facility. 

 

Karin Franklin introduced Dr. Christopher Peters.  He is a surgeon and has a vein clinic in Coralville.  He is a member of the Rotary Club of Iowa City.  He has a wife Julie and three sons and one grandson. He is occasional. Politician He has presented at various Rotary Clubs on Braver Angels. His speech today was Braver Angels Update and Better Ballot IA.

Baver Angels used to be call Better Angels.  He talked about pre-covid how there were many workshops to help people on both sides of red and blue to see common ground. 

Post Covid beginning to get back to the workshops helping people every day.   Rotary has a partnership with Braver Angels Better Ballot Iowa is to improve the voting in Iowa. 

To learn more, visit these websites:  barverangels.org. docpeters.org/video, betterballotiowa.org

chris@docpeters.org

319-499-3051.

 

 

Karin Fraklin, Program Coordinator for January, introduced Ann Ruckdaschel, Program Director of Carin Hands and More for the last three years. Her experience gives her the opportunity to work with elderly, those with different abilities, those with mental heal issues and last, but not least, pre-adjudicated inmates. In 2004 Mayor Bruce Teague began home health care. In 2011 and 2012 the community became involved.  In 2023 there 9 homes serving the community.  There are day programs to help individuals learn basic things as to how ride the bus, go to art museums, play cards.  The idea is to provide socialization.  Home Health Care is available.   There is a cost 2 hours minimum, 4 hours at $30.00 per hour. Over 4 hours is $20 per hour.  Currently there is a staff of 30, The day program has a staff of 18.

Liz Nichols, December Program Coordinator, discussed how the "Book Table Talk Would Work" If a person has more than one book, each person should talk about one book and if there is time talk about a second book.  This meeting is dedicated to Pat Schnack who passed away December 26, 2021.  Liz Nichols talked about her book Red Hotel.  This book dealt with hotels that targeted for terrorism.  Beth Belding also had a book on hotels:   Mistress of the Ritz taking place in Paris.   Ann Romanowski talked about cookie decorating.  She brought some of her creations. Brian Adamec talked about mental health.  The Center Cannot Hold by Elyn Sack.  Vernette Knapp talked about The Boys from Bloxi by John Grisham. John has had 47 best sellers.  This book is about an attorney trying to take down drug lord's establishments.  Margy talked about Lessons in Chemistry.  This book made her laugh, and it was a fun book. 

Liz Nichols, December Program Coordinator, introduced Allie Boge, President of the PM Satellite Club. Allie's first memory of Rotary was the 4th grade dictionaries.  Allie is from Davenport and was a Junior Rotarian -2014 with the Rotary Club of North Scott.  Being a junior Rotarian was a requirement to go to RYLA 2015, Counselor 2017 and Head Counselor in 2018. She has been to Xictopec and will go again this year.  She has been very involved in The U of I Dance Marathon and also running marathons. She is currently President of the PM Satellite Club. 

"Who is the PM Satellite Club"?  They are part of the Rotary Club of Iowa City AM, students, young professionals, inovative, unconventional.  The PM Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday night at Open Heartland.  The 1st meeting is a speaker, and the 3rd Wednesday is a service project at Open Heartland.  Deb Dunkhase said that after the PM Club has done the service project it is like "Magical Faries have been there".  What are they doing to grow.  Taylor Sung is a liaison the City High Interact.  Hopefully some of the Interactors will become part of the PM Club. 
 

 

Jim Peterson talked about The Rotary Foundation Grants.  These are large-long term projects that are at least $30,000.  They must be sustainable.  You need to really know you International Partner and Club.  There Is an International Host sponsor that is a club outside of the country.  There is an individual that is s sponsor.  The grants are within an area of the Seven Areas of Focus. All applications are submitted online at www.rotary.org/grants.  There is no application deadline. In order to qualify for a Grant, you must attend an annual Grant Management Seminar. Other items needed to be completed:  Oversee application, prepare a community needs assessment, project a budget, financing, bank account, project manager, have a measurement and evaluation tool, prepare a report to R. I. two months after grant completed.  Keep very detailed and accurate records. There are three sources of funds for a Global Grant: Cash from clubs and organizations, District Designated Funds, and matching funds from The Rotary Foundation. One Global Grant that our club is doing is Vocational Training Technique VTT the Ponsetti method training project in Argentina.  The International Sponsor is the Rotary Club of Iowa City AM, The Host Sponsor is Rotary Club of Grand Boug D 4805 Argentina.  The project cost $49,749.  Where do you find Global Grants:  Rotary International House of Friendship, Project Fairs, Travel Internationally and try to go to Rotary Clubs in that country. YE, VTT, Friendship Exchanges. 

 

Kate Malkusak (majoring in International Studies: Global Health, Spanish, & Arabic at the University of Iowa with an expected graduation date of May 2023) presented about her recent Rotex Study Abroad experience in Santiago, Chile. Kate had been a Rotary Exchange high school student in 2018-2019 in Spain, attended RYLA,  and is involved in Roteract. Her experience in Chile enabled her to improve her Spanish as her host family did not speak English, she was able to observe the voting process, met other students at the University she attended, took day trip to museums, participated in cooking and other classes, and attended cultural events. Academically, Kate participated in a "Health Program, 2 Spanish classes, Health Studies Seminar, 60 hours of clinical observations over the semester...[and a] Native Culture Class," learning more about indigenous cultures. Kate had the opportunity to learn more Spanish medical terminology and visited hospitals in Santiago. As part of her experience, she learned more about public and private health care in Chile and their differences. Kate personal travels included to San Pedro de Atacama, La Serena, Valparaiso, a cultural celebration Pelluhue, and  celebrating her own birthday by hiking in Patagonia. Kate benefitted by being able to make medical observations, using and improving her language skills, expanding her worldview on health care, and improving her cultural competence. Kate's goal is to work for a nonprofit in global health. She appreciated the financial aid from Rotary, which made her semester experience in Chile possible, gave credit to Rotary Youth Exchange for the experience, and thanked Rotary and those present. Kate has a blog where Rotarians and other can learn about her experience at https://katherine-malkusak.wixsite.com/kate-s-semester-abro

 

Marge Winkler asked Kate when and how were you first inspired--Kate replied that at RYLA, she learned from her counselor, Megan, about her experience as a Rotary Youth Exchange member and inspired, Kate then transferred to City High and graduated early in order to be an exchange student. In response to another question about her observations about health care in Chile, Kate replied that she observed different levels of health care and doctor availability, was able to converse with a doctor and other professionals and observed a surgery. In response to a question from Phil Peterson, Kate said that public universal health care was paid for by taxes and private care was paid for by individuals. Covid was prominent initially and then a mask mandate went away in October. Kate's program was through IES. In response to other questions, Kate said she had wanted to learn a character language and started Arabic in Spain because there is a lot of Arabic influence in the southern half of Spain. Kate wants to work in international health care at a not for profit (e.g., Gates Foundation) and eventually travel and implement a health program. When Jenny Seyler asked "what was the hardest thing and most growth," Kate said that about half way through the semester, she felt that her Spanish was not improving as much and as quickly as she had hoped and that she has learned she cannot compare herself to others and further said that at the end, "my Spanish has improved beyond measure."

Jon Engelbrecht, executive director of Public Space One gave a little history on the current site formerly the Mansion.  Jon is in photography. Public Space One will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on December 1, 2022.   Public Space One was born December 1, 2020 at the Deadwood bar with a handshake a funky space and the vital energies of artists in need of a venue.  A lot of changes over the years, however, PS1 is an artist-led and community-driven space that alms to provide low-barrier access to arts resources support artists and harness the power of art to collectively build a better world. The structure was built in 1874 as a single-family home. It has also been an orphanage, Johnson County Administration and in 1980 became The Mansion which was a high-end furniture and home interior decorating establishment. 

It is now the home of PS1 and has 9 studios that are rented out and an 800 sq. ft. apartment available for rent. 

A tour was given to 2nd floor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

, and harness the power of art to collectively build a better world. 

President Elect, Theresa Burns called the meeting to order at 7:05 am. Mark Stanley, Foundation Chair, shared The Rotary Foundation minute. The Rotary Club of Peterborough announced Friday November 18 that the club's application for a Rotary Foundation of Canada Grant to fund vocational training for women in Badikhel, Nepal has been approved. by R. I.  68, 874USD will fund the training of 140 Nepalese women in skill that will enable them to work in their chosen professions or to run their own businesses.

Nepal has the 6th largest rate of child marriages in the world.  Rotarians hope this training will promote female empowerment and self-sustainability that will have a long term effect in Nepal.  

Ann Romanowski shared that Tate High School Food Pantry will have a fundraiser at Wildwood Saloon Dec. 4, 2022 4:00-7:00 pm. Music by HomeBrewed..

225 cookies are needed for Open Heartland Christmas party for 225 families.  If you are interested in making cookies, notify P.E Theresa Burns.  Cookies are needed by December 17.  

The program was all members writing two items they are thankful for.  The items could not be about health, family, or Rotary.

Cassey Cook read them to everyone. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 a.m..  

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Patton, Program Coordinator for November introduced Jerry Schnoor speaking on "Climate Change and the Future".  Jerry is with the University of Iowa's Department of Climate and Engineering Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research.  The earth is two to three time warmer each year.  There are 8 billion people.  The AR6 a" Code Red new from the United States   The goal is to release GHG emissions by 45% by 2030 and net zero by 2050.  We are seeing increased heat, heavy precipitation, droughts, tropic cyclones.  Jerry talked about the increase in wildfires, and the country's worst drought, the surface melting in Greenland and the ocean temperatures increasing. The future in a change world with more floods, droughts, wildfires and sea level rising.  "This is the Decade to Act".

Mark Patton, November Program Coordinator, introduced the speaker James Larew, Attorney at Law. James talked about his career as attorney for Iowa Governors.  He then talked about the Railroads in Iowa.  He talked about all the advantages of living in Iowa being between the two greatest rivers.  He talked about Alan Dakin and Virgil Hansen and their friendships.   

Mark Patton, November Program Coordinator introduced   Scott Hawes, Executive Director of Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity.   "Why Helping Hands"?  The number of residents age 60+ has risen 37% since 2010.  30% of the homes in Johnson County are at least 50 years.  6000 homeowners are having a difficult time buying a home.

Conclusion:   seniors need low-income homeowners for accessibility, aging in place, modifications, critical home repairs.  Examples:  Building a ramp for easy access to the outside of the home.  Install walk in showers and high toilets.   Family had carpeting; son had severe allergies to pet dander.  The carpet was removed, and hard wood type flooring was installed.  

Scott talked about ERMAR:  Energy repair, appliance replacement.   He showed a video for affordable housing.  John Mckinstry was featured. 

Scott and Theresa Burns talked about affordable housing being around $200,000.  Theresa Said there may be multiple leans on the house.  Many loans may be involved. Som forgiven, some no interest in order for the family to afford the home.  Habitat for Humanity works with Homes for Iowa to build these homes. 

Chris Knapp, October Program Coordinator introduce Kelly Hayworth, Coralville City Administrator since 1988. Kelly received his B. B. A. and M. B. A from University of Iowa.   He has ridden 28 RABRAI.  Kelly talked about many improvements being made to Coralville.  A very large project is the 1st Avenue/Interstate Interchange.  This is called a Diverging Diamond.  The project has a budget of $40 Million Dollars and expected to be completed sometime in 2-024.  There will be new pedestrian and bicycle paths. There will also be a much easier access for all the truckers to refuel.

Forever Green Heights:  280 acres being developed.   There will be 1000 new housing units:  Single Family, Duplex, Row Houses, and a Senior Facility.  This should be completed in five years. The Auburn Ridge Sub-Division will be complete in fall of 2022.  The 5th Street Improvement project will be several components and completed in fall of 2025.

These improvements to:  St. Morrison Park, City Hall, Coralville Public Library and the pool, Police and Fire Departments.

 

Coralville will be celebrating the 150 years October 2022-2023. 

The 5th and 10th Street Roundabout will be completed after all the 5th Street improvements have been made.  May begin sometime in late 2025 or 2026.

 

Chris Knapp, October Program Coordinator, introduced Matt Degner, Superintendent Iowa City Community School District serving since July 2013.  Matt was Principal of South-East Junior High for the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 years.  Since that time, he served as Director of Secondary Schools, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent.  He is married and has one son.  He is a member of noon Rotary and a Cubs and Bears fan.   Matt will tell us "What's New in the School District"?

He showed a video on Who are We?  All in for All Kids. There are 14,400 students in the Iowa City School District along with 2300 employees.   There is 91% graduation rate.  The school system is committed to Equity and Inclusion.  The school system has undergone a five-year strategic planning to provide equity and proficiency and growth. 

He recommended the book "Schools Cannot Do It Alone" by Jamie Vollmer. 

Additional Information can be found ICCSD.org

 

Chris Knapp, Program Coordinator for October introduced Geoff Fruin, City Manager of Iowa City. "Is there a Round About in your Future"?  He talked about the population growth in Iowa City 1990 there were 2485 new residents, 2000 new residents 5642, and 2020 new residents 6966.  H talked about the city's strong response helping to weather COVID, state reform, and inflationary pressures.  Goeff talked about tackling critical infrastructural quality of life with roadways, utilities, and parks.  At this time there is a capital improvement from 2022-2026.  

The city continues to work on Student Housing, Arts, Culture as Economic Development.  Some examples, Film Scene, Englert, Public Space One, James Gang and the Muesum of Art.

Fed Recovery:  Forest View Relocation helping residents to find affordable housing.  

Chris Knapp, Program Coordinator for October introduced Dr. Thomas Schwartz, Director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum; one of 13 museums and 15 libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration.  He will speak on the past, present, and future of the Hoover Library and museum.  Dr. Schwartz came to Iowa in 2011 after working 26 years in Illinois and working on the Lincoln Presidential Library.  He said it is important to have Education through Entertainment. "The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled. He did a timeline of Herbert Hoovers life. At the age of 40 Hoover was a self-made millionaire.  Hoover fed over a million people.  His concern was about the quality of the meal and how many people he was able to feed. Dr. Schwartz that Storytelling is the most powerful way.

Casey Cook did "What Jazzes You Up" with Margy Winkler.  Margy said she was not sleeping worrying about Nancy Pacha and Sophia her granddaughter.  What made Margy happy was the beautiful sunrise today!  She is happy she is able to do so many things.  Attitude is the key to Happiness.  She loves reading a good book, playing French horn, piano, golf and tennis.  When she was getting her master's degree, she did some fencing.   Casey and Margy did a very comical program today.

Deb Dunkhase introduced Kate Moreland and Cady Gerlach from the Iowa City Area Development Group.  Kate is the President and CEO of the Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD), working to help our community for 23 years.  Cady is the Executive Director of Better Together.  She moved to Iowa City in 2013 to join the firm of Meardon, Sueppel, and Downer PLC and practiced in nonprofit corporations, municipal law, and trust and estate litigation for before joining the Shelter House staff as the Director of Strategic Operations and Resource Management.  The topic of today is" Better Together 2030" a shared future for Johnson County.  They looked at the What:  Community wide initiative to help the community to recover from the pandemic. Why:  To build a transformed future with economic diversity.  How:  Short-term target actions turning to long term. Who:  Led by four community economic organizations, guided by steering committee across various sectors and executed by coalition of community wide network volunteers. 

President Jenny had the vision to have a service project once a quarter.  The project today was House into Homes.

28 members attended the service project.  Some of the tasks were:  Steaming furniture, building shelves, painting various items, moving art items and many others. 

The service project at 8:00 am.

Karin Franklin introduced David Gould.  UI Public Policy Center "Power of the Chorus Creating a World of Change Makers".  David talked about making higher education more meaningful.  He receives over 100 reflections per week.  "Handle all with Care".  David's personal goal as an instructor, is to slow down the education for students and allow them to capture the world.  He sees students fatigued, burned out, much anxiety, overwhelmed, and depressed.  

In 2017 he invited Amanda Gorman Now, National Youth Poet Laureate.  He talked about running for your life from fire, you become angry, bring a buck of water, a cup or teaspoon to help with your issues. 

Pay attention to our youth.  It is ok if when they graduate from high school, that they do not know about the future.  There is time!  

Alta Medea-Peters was our speaker today.  Alta spoke on DVIP "Update and Happenings.  Alta is the Director of Community Innovative Program at DVIP.  In 1979 there was comprehensive support and advocacy.  The First Shelter was built in Johnson County.  In 1991 Cedar and Washington was added.  Jones County from 1994-1997.  The CDC says 1 in 3 Women are impacted by domestic violence and 1 in 4 men are impacted by domestic violence.  There are 20 people per minute physically abused. DVIP is a non-judgmental free and confidential space. DVIP is open 24 hours a day.  DVIP is able to accommodate pets.  In 1993 the shelter grew to 40 beds.  Since May 2020, DVIP has seen a 28% increase.  Volunteers needed to transport victims.  There is an intense training program for the volunteers. 

 

Ways to Help:  Ask to speak to organizations.  Donations of $35-$45 provide a night for a victim. 

 

Hot Line Number 1-800-373-1043.

Karin Franklin introduced the speaker Michael Brogan speaking on The American Society-Road to Recovery. Michael graduated from Waterloo High School in 1971.  He has 40 years as a Tech experience.  He is a cancer survivor. There 1.9 Millon cases of cancer a year and 600,000 deaths.  Adults have a 70% survival rate, children 90% survival rate. There have been 27 grants with $27.6 million dollars in the state of Iowa. Michael was diagnosed with cancer in 2013.  He was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma.  He had 2 years of radiation. There are two things he is working on.  "Real Men wear Pink" raised $50 Million.  Hope Lodge serves 28 people.  Road to Recovery is a program that a person can be trained to be able to drive cancer patients to and from appointments. 

Today we had the honor of having the World Affairs Students and RYLA students and their parents as our guests. Nancy Pacha interviewed all the students.  The World Affairs students talked about the great speakers they had.  Heidi was inspired by one Dr. and now she is going to Medical School. They were impressed to meet so many students from around the world.  They learned about Global Health and ways to solve problems.  They learned ways to better communicate to have better connections with people.

The RYLA students had many leadership activities.   They learn to interact and solve problems.  Some of the terms used to describe both events were Eye opening, inspiring, wonderful, impactful, emotional, everyone can be a leader.

Next Year's Theme will be Climate Change.

 

President Jenny introduced District Governor Steve.  Governor Steve talked about "Get to Know the Weineke's.   They have been married 2 years and are both members of the Ankeny Satellite.  They love the beach, and their Save the Card says it all. Steve said Rotary is 117 years old and we have our 1st Woman President.   The theme "Imagine means:  

The Circle is the connection to one another.  The Dots represent people and the 7 areas of Focus.  The dots and circle become our guiding light.  The solid line is the digging stick representing hard work. Purple for Polio eradication, green for the environment, and white for peace our core value. Rotary Vision Statement:  Together we see a world where People unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe in our communities and in ourselves. 

Create Community will be held Sept. 11-17 to have the four organizations do a project together, Rotary, Optimist, Lions and Kiwans.

 

President Liz introduced Salina McCarty talking Houses into Homes.   At this time House into Homes have 4 part time employees and 1 full time employee.  They collect Beds, sofas, lamps, tables, cookware, dishes and silverware.   Funds collected from donation will buy mattresses.   Houses into Homes began in 2017 and is located 401 16th Ave. Coralville.  They will pick or you can deliver items. Salina said there are 350 school children that are homeless.   It has been quoted by many receivers a house being turned into a home, that "They enjoyed being able to sit in a chair, drink coffee and look out the window.  The value is being able to give a person comfortable place to live.  Today they serve 800 households and 2500 individuals.  Houses into Homes is always looking for volunteers to pick, drop off items, clean, repair and refurbish furniture

The mission is to help people feel the comfort of a home, with unconditional regard. 

Andreas Soemadi was our speaker today.  Andreas professional life is focused on facilitating student learning in math and physics at collegiate level.  Currently he is an instruct of physics at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa.  He uses Mathematic in facilitating the learning of physics I also write Mathematics codes for all pieces in all my artwork.  To each curve (line for example) one can associate a mathematical equation.  Each mathematical equation is then encoded using Wolfram Mathematica.  The codes are then executed to show the corresponding curves which are ultimately printed on paper to produce the desired picture.  He uses Graphics BezierCurve with difference numbers to create a piece of art.  Andreas had several pieces of art and note cards for sale.  He donated 50% of the costs to the Rotary Club of Iowa City AM.

President Jenny played Imagine by John Lennon.  Imagine is the R. I. Theme for President Jennifer Jones.   Jenny talked about her Rotary Year.  

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR LEADERSHIP 2022-23.  President Jenny Seylar

 

 

The IMPACT that we make when we seek to do good in our community.

EXPANDING our opportunity for YOUTH.

FINALLY, make ways to adapt to the changing climate and world.

She hopes that she and the club can:  Explore ways to support and grow the PM Satellite Club, Provide Visioning and Strategic planning session, Winter 2023, continue the work with the Literacy Program, Provide Pop Ups and social opportunities outside of the club. investigate the Armark  fundraising opportunity, Create position for public image, especially social media. 

She showed the Leadership that also included Jim Peterson, Brian Adamec, and PM Satellite member being added to the board and all the board members. Her career included being a teacher for many years.  She has two grandchildren. She played clarinet in the Hawkey Marching Band the year early on we went to the Rose Bowl.  

She like salmon to be on someone else plate.   She lost her husband to a heart attack while being on a bike ride. 

She has gratitude and joy daily in every life. 

 

 

Karin Frankline introduced John Engebrecht and Travis Kraus as the speakers today on Public Space 1.  John is an artist, art organized, educator and Executive Director of Public Space One (PS1).  John joined PSI in 2009.  Under his tenure the organization has grown from a small local Iowa City Hub arts hub in rented space to a nationally Space One owns, occupies and program three historic buildings in downtown Iowa City with Major projects including the Iowa City Press Co-0p, the Center for Afrofuturist Studies, and the Media Arts Co-op.  Travis serves as Associate Professor of Practice in the School of Planning and Public Affairs, where he teaches Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities, initiative works with community partners and UI faculty, staff and students to facilitate engaged-learning project that promote economic development, social justice, and sustainability. He also serves as PSI co-treasurer.

Who Are We?  PS1 is an artist led, community driven contemporary art center. 

2020 by the Numbers:  112 member artists' work presented, 139 workshop participants (virtual and in person),18 hours curated radio programming, 32 hours of curated video programming, 225+ plant varieties grown on site, 60 number of paid artists, $17,000 paid to artists (not including art workers/staff), $76,000 supported in grant support

400 individuals, orgs, and businesses that support us. 

 

Pam Ehly spoke on The District Grant Save the Children.  This was with the Rotary Club of Iowa City.  The total grant was $10,000. Pam grew up in Fort Worth Texas and is the Secretary for the Rag for Club Foot.  Open Heartland is the community partner.  This grant will target children up to five years of age and their parents.  Our community provides libraries, free books to children, Pam talked about how music is used in this program. 

She talked about the importance of: Introduce, Repeat, Vary. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casey Cook introduced the speaker Judy Trepka to speak about her extensive travels.   Judy moved to Iowa City from St. Paul MN. to be closer to her children and grandchildren who live in Iowa Citty and became neighbors of Casey and Kate Cook.  She has been to 7 continents and to 101 countries and over the years has traveled with Global Volunteers, Elder Hostels, Overseas Adventure Travel. She began her travels in 1984 when her husband got a NATO scholarship in Munich.  He later went to work for 3 M Company in England.   She has traveled to South Korea, DMZ North Korea.  In 1991 went to Moscow.  Hawaii, Vietnam and South Africa. Croatia.  She has also been to Prague.

Karin Franklin, Program Director introduce Dr. Bob Littlehale who is a retired anesthesiologist.  He moved from Iowa City from Utah four years ago.  He married Laura Young, artist, in December 2021.  He is originally from Ohio, has a resume rich in geographical diversity from Harvard and Mass. General Hospital in Boston to the Four Corners of New Mexico.  He also served as an anesthesiologist in U.S. Amry Hospitals, including in Vietnan where he received the Bronze Star.  He is a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners and a Diplomate of the American Board of anesthesiology.  The free lunch program began in 1982 a 501c3.  It originally was held in the Wesley House.  It is now housed in the 1105 Project on Gilbert St.  There are 35 groups, 900 volunteers serving over 28,000 meals in a year.  The meals are served with carbs, protein, vegetarian, fruits and vegetables.   There are two coordinators for the facility.  They are trained in the area of Conflict Resolution. The Free Lunch program accepts cash donations and most of the food that is served is donated. The program serves about 100 people per day.  The volunteers are from religious organizations, U Way, City of Iowa City, Community Foundation.  In the winter, they welcome hats, gloves, socks, and blankets.  Lunch is served Monday thru Saturday and Holidays.  No service on Sunday.  

Karin Franklin introduced Kate Gfeller speaker for today.  Kate grew up on a farm in central Iowa.  She works with Cochlear Implants and research department.  She is in the Department of Otolaryngology, and head and neck surgery.  Kate has lectured in 28 International Countries.  She focuses on music perception enjoyment.  Music is commonly head in daily life.  She played several music videos. She showed how music can bring back many memories and take you back in time. 

She talked about how music can be too loud and ruin your hearing.  Football games, loud receptions, concerts can all be damaging to you hearing.  Take breaks, walk away if necessary. 

She showed how the word MUSIC can help

M-Turn your MP3 down.

U-use regular breaks

S-Stand back from the speaker

I-Invest noise control

C-Carry ear plugs

There are the inexpensive foam plugs, not very good.  Customer fit museum ear Plugs$120-$200, and filtered ear plug $20-$60.

Hearing aids are not the silver bullet. 

 

Deb Galbraith, May Program Coordinator, introduced Joan Kjaer, Director of Communications and Relations for International Program at the University of Iowa.  She is in charge of daily management of internal and external communications, alumni relations, event management, internal delegation visits, media relations and public engagement.  Joan will speak on "International Programs:  Connecting Iowa with the World and the World with Iowa. If International Programs has one purpose, it is to open the minds and hearts of our community to the reality that the world is a stronger and better place when we celebrate the humanity in every individual and in every nation.  We cannot learn to live together if we do not live to learn from each other.  Dean Russell Ganim

The Goals of the International Program are:  Provide students with transformational experiences in global education.  Support collaborative research between the UI and International partners.   Internationalize the UI campus.  Enhance the lived experience in Iowa for international students and scholars who come to our campus. Share the rich resources of the UI with our fellow Iowans so that we all become more globally aware.

 

Deb Galbraith, May Program Coordinator, introduced Maureen "Micki" McCue, MD & PhD, who is on the advisory board of the UI Center for Human Rights, and who spoke in person at the Kirkwood Room to the hybrid meeting on the topic "Now is the Time for Nuclear Disarmament: Perspectives from Rotary International and PSR." Dr. McCue is a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR). She stated it is important to raise awareness that Rotarians are instrumental in working across the world on nuclear disarmament. Dr. McCue's second PowerPoint slide included that "The Rotarian Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) [https://rotaryactiongroupforpeace.org/ragfp-partner-resources/] indorsed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2018." When the cold war ended, historians thought things would get better; however, now there are "weakened treaty regimes." Dr. McCue stated that the vast majorities of nuclear warheads are in the U.S. and Russia. Dr. McCue pointed out that while the bombs have gotten stronger, the language about nuclear weapons has been dumbed down to downplay their risk. On February 24, 2022, Russian invaded the Ukraine. Nuclear weapons, if used, would result in devastating climate change, millions of fatalities, and ultimately the end of the world. There is no safe number of nukes--prevention is the answer. The Rotary perspective is to eliminate nuclear weapons world-wide. What can we do? Action we can take includes telling the government not to use nuclear weapons, ensuring no single person has the power to launch nuclear weapons, and take the country off of hair trigger alert.

 

An attendee asked--How do you prevent other countries from getting access to nuclear weapons? The answer was that it is a complex process to develop nuclear weapons. The real problem is that Russian and the U.S. are continuing to develop nuclear weapons. There is a civil society movement in India and Pakistan to shut down nuclear weapons. Dr. McCue made the point that building nuclear weapons is not making us safer and has done nothing to stop wars, including in Afghanistan and Europe. What can we do? The answer was that education is critical to understanding the problems, and again, there should be no hair trigger alert. Many organizations are committed to abolishing nuclear weapons, including the International Red Cross and International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.

Deb Galbraith, May Program Coordinator introduced Dr. Ludwig Guttmann.  Dr. Guttmann was born in Frankfurt Germany, attended Princeton and got his medical degree from Columbia.  He has written over 184 articles and prefers to ride his bike as his mode of transportation.  He talked about the similarities between Polio and Covid.  Both involving a vaccine that some people did not believe in.  "Doctors are much better at preventing than treating disease".  During the Polio Epidemic there were signs at businesses that said, "Touch It, It is Yours".  Wash you hands was in all bathrooms and other places.   During Covid, we were not to touch things as the virus could spread and hands became raw from so much handwashing.  Polio is a virus that derives from human waste and dirty water.  Covid is respiratory and is very contagious.  Kids under 5 were much more likely to attract Polio. 

In 1985 when Rotary took on the campaign to fight Polio there were 350,000 cases.  Jonas Salk a non- live vaccine was developed vaccine in 1955.  The Sabin a live vaccine developed a few years later and was less expensive.    Dr. Gutmann read one of his stores about The Girl in the Rocking Chair, which was an Iron Lung. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Patton, Program Coordinator for April introduce Pat Heiden talking about "A Life Well Lived in The Community".  Pat is the former Executive Director of Oaknoll retiring after 37 years of service.  She then became Johnson County Supervisor.  She talked about her life with four brothers on a Dairy farm in Dennison Iowa.  She talked about milking cows, doing chores, bailing hay, walking beans and detasseling corn.  Her father died at home one morning at 45 years old of a massive heart attack.   Her mother was left to raise five children and run a dairy farm along with a hired man.   Lessons learned from working on the farm:  Hard work, courage, discipline, conflict resolution.   When she began at Oaknoll part time she had a BA in General Studies and thought she could conquer the world.  She began work at Oaknoll and then Executive Director Felica Hope was retiring.  She then assumed this roll.  Felicia was her mentor.  It took a while for Pat to develop her own style and be accepted for her style.  The first year did not come without challenges. 

She became divorced with two little girls 2 and 5.  She was a single mom with a very new important career.  She learned that you could accept the help of others and that you are not a failure.   

On April 19, 2022, Mark Patton introduced Mark Rummel, the City of Iowa City’s Associate Director of Transportation, who spoke to Iowa City's AM Rotary Club about Iowa City transit’s new electric bus initiative, which is funded by a combination of state and federal grants in conjunction with a partnership with MidAmerican. Mr. Rummel posed the question “Why Electric Buses?” The reasons included, but were not limited to, “reduce Iowa City’s carbon emissions” and electric buses are quieter than Iowa City’s existing diesel buses. Mr. Rummel spoke of the challenges, including making sure the electric buses can fit in Iowa City’s existing bus facility and under the Iowa Avenue railroad bridge (yes, but very slowly). However, Iowa City bus routes have recently been redesigned, and many routes no longer require buses to go under this railroad bridge. Mr. Rummel said that electric buses will be charged at two charging stations (this number is expected to increase). Iowa City’s electric buses were built in California and have a new colorful design. The expected battery life is about twelve years. There are four buses now, and Iowa City expects up to twenty-five. Iowa City will have a bus bash for the public in two weeks [Friday, May 6] by Big Grove at the Riverfront Crossings Park.

Taylor Wertheim introduced Viktor Soloivov and Olga Dubney speakers talking about the Ukraine view of the War. Viktor has a B. A. National Academy Affairs, PhD in National Academy for Public Administration under the President of Ukraine.  Viktor has more than 12 years of progressive experience in Civil service as well as three years as state coordinator of NATO Building Integrity program in security and defense sector.  

He spoke about the devastation and genocide continually happing in Ukraine.

Karin Franklin, Program Coordinator, for March introduced Cameron Schrog.  Cameron's presentation today is on Bitcoin.  What is Bitcoin?  Bitcoin is a digital currency which operates free of any central control or the oversight of banks or governments.

 Instead, it relies on peer-to peer software and cryptography.  A public ledger records all bitcoin transactions and copies are held on servers around the world.  Cameron talked about the evolution of money from early times of bartering to current Bitcoin.  He talked about the six characteristics of money: Flexible, portable, divisible, difficult to counterfeit, limited supply and durable.  NFT (Non-Fungible Token) came on the scene in 2016-2017.  "Token" means that it can be transferred on a blockchain.   Essentially, NFT's are assets that carry a unique digital identity and can be traded and can be traded on a public blockchain. 

Currency is backed bank notes.  Internet money arrived on the scene in 2008-2009.   The advantage of Bitcoin is you can use it 24-7.

 

   

Karin Franklin, Program Coordinator, for March introduced Tom Cook. Tom is the author of a children's book "Happy Feet" about a young man in Africa with Club Foot. Tom is Professor Emeritus in Public Health and Physical Therapy Rehabilitation at the University of Iowa.  Tom Spoke on Dr. Ignacio Ponseti who was born in Menorca Spain. in 1914 and died in 2009.  Tom also wrote the book "RAG for Club Foot" "The Life and Global Impact of Dr. Ignacio Ponseti.  Tom talked about the impact of 1918 flu epidemic.  Dr. Ponseti was 4 years at the time. During his adolescence from 1920-1930 he lived in Barcelona.  In 1930 he attended the University of Barcelon where he was lucky to finish an exam two weeks before the Spanish Civil War.  In 1938 the city of Barcelona was bombed.  Dr. Ponseti had the opportunity to escape to Mexico City from July 14, 1939 arriving July 27, 1939.

 

 

Karen Franklin introduced Timothy Massawe, Assistant District Governor form Tanzania.  He is a charter member of his club and an attorney.   He presentation today was on "Empowering the Vulnerable Through Education.  Timothy talked about the poverty in his country and how this affects the learning opportunities for children.  Timothy was born in a hut and was very poor. Rotary President Elect Jennifer Jones sponsored Neema and now she is a nurse.  Sponsorship for one year is $1,000.  There are currently 51 students in the program and the program has had 200 students.

The students are chosen through a government agency. After college the students are encouraged to return to the community to volunteer to do go in the community.  They are also encouraged to become Rotarians.   If you are interested in more information or wish to sponsor a student, Timothy email is:  massawe178@gmail.com.

 

 

Mark Patton went to Kentucky with the Mennonite Disaster Service in January. The tornado killed over 90 people in the Dec10-2021.  This is a story of dramatic climatic change.  This tornado exceeded 200 miles thru Mayfield Kentucky.  The tornado was an EF$ with 155-200 MPH winds. It destroyed very substantial structure as homes, churches, courthouse and many others. Dawson Springm KY population 2430, 13 killed. Mayfield population 10,073.  24 people killed at the Candle Factory. 

The phases that people will go through:  Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. 

Mark showed many very sad pictures.  All of us should feel very lucky that we have our homes, health and not this horrible devastation. 

 

Casey Cook spoke today on Solar Energy Pros and Cons.  He wants to try new things and better for the environment.  Casey started this project as an Economic Benefit with solar panels on:  Quality Care, Casey's office building, Good Will, Human Serivces, and an Indian Tribe in Nevada. 

Why do this?  To save money, take advantage of various tax credit, invest some of his future welfare, and diversified as not sure of the stock market. 

Case Study Mall Drive:  Size 20 KWH $50,000 Tax savings $27,000, electric savings of $2,300 per year. The units typically have 5 years of production.  It all depends on the sunlight. 

On home you may get 25 years.   The benefits, environmental, federal and state incentives, saves energy and there are ecological rewards. 

These projects must be monitor weekly, cheapest is not the best.  CA is less expensive.  You must expect challenges and tenacity is required.

 

 

 

 

 

Casey Cook, Program Coordinator, for February introduced Carolyn Brown speaking on Literacy.  She is the found of Foundation in Learning.  She talked about teaching children how to read   Carolyn said that children struggle with dsylexia, limited language skills, difficulty spelling, high frustration and low self-esteem, difficulty retaining and retrieving information, cannot generalize across words or content.  If is important to focus on the capacity of learning. How do we measure it and how is it best learned?  It is important to vary tasks, content, and provide lots of practice. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peggy Doerge introduced Dr.  Chris Peters member of the Rotary Club of Iowa City.  Chris is a member of "Braver Angels" joining in 2018.  He talked about student political leaders at Graceland college one from each party and how they can be friends trying to understand their differences through Braver Angels. He showed a video showing all the political differences in the world today.  "We are in a New Civil War about What Exactly"   Abraham Lincoln quoted " I don't like him, therefore I must get to know him better".   Braver Angels tries to help people understand accurate disagreements to have mutual understanding.  Make I statement's rather we statements.   There are currently 3,100 members across the country. There is a reuniting documentary on U Tube.  Braver Angels is part of District 6000 Peace and Conflict Resolutions Team.  Ron Heideman from The Rotary Club of Indianola is the team chair.  To contact Chris:  chris@docpeters.org.  319-400-3051

 

 

Pam Ehly, Program Coordinator for January, introduced Tom Cook speaking on The Rotary Action Group (RAG) for Club Foot. Tom is at the University of Iowa in Occupational Health. Tom showed a video showing people that have club foot.  Club Foot affects males more than females.  India is the highest country for Club Foot at 150 cases per hour.  Dr. Ponseti discovered a non-surgical method of gentle manipulation and plaster casting along with braces to worn at night so that a person can lead a normal productive life. The process usually takes 4-6 weeks and then several years of braces to correct the foot. PDG Herb Wilson was the founder of The RAG for Club Foot.  There are Vocational Training Teams through Global Grants that have gone to the following countries to train doctors:  Brazil-2016, Mexico-2017, Bolivia-18, Dominican Repbublic-2019, Argentina-2021.

Dr. Jose Morcuende from the University of Iowa does the training for the doctors. 

Karen Franklin introduced Anne Spencer, Co-President of League of Women's Voter.  Anne has been a teacher in the Iowa City School System.  The League of Women's Voter begam in 1920 during Womens Suffrage.  The League of Women's Voter's has been an important part of democracy.  The state and national league has empowered voters by informing participation in government.  The League has developed a workshop on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  The Goal of the workshop is to recognize racism in society and the role of privilege.  Anne showed a video that gave examples of the role of privilege. 

There are three one-hour sessions in the workshop.  1.  Privilege:  Urban and Rural, 2.  White Procedure 101, 3.  Process and Planning.

Today was a sharing of stories of Pat Schnack who passed away December 26, 2021.  She was loved by all.  She was a teacher who inspired the lives of many children. 

She helped the club's "Reading Partners Program".  This involved reading books with school age children.  She was diagnosed with Lung Cancer about 10 years ago.  She kept on going.  She lived life to the fullest by touring many countries.  She took her grandchildren on many international trips.  She traveled to Pakistan and to Xiotopec.  She was thrilled that she and Ron's four sons would be here for Christmas. Travel was involved from Japan and Austria.  She had hoped in January to go to Mexico for a few months.  

She will be greatly missed by everyone.  Visitation will be Thursday December 30, 4:00-7:00 pm at Lensing Funeral Home.  

Pam Ehly introduced Jenny Seylar and Lisa Steiledger from Mercy Hospital.  Jenny is President Elect. She has been a Rotarian for four years.  She is involved in West High 1440 Interact Club with Nancy Pacha and Margy Winkler.  She is the Chaplin for Mercy Hospital.  Lisa is the Communications and Foundation person for Mercy.  Jenny talked about the impact of the pandemic.  She gives spiritual care to families as they go thru sickness and death of loved ones.  Elective surgeries were stopped during the height of the pandemic. The staff worked very hard at rationing the PPE so that they would not run out. There were times when the dying could not have loved ones.  Jenny would be with the patient and communicate with the families. Babies were born that could bring some joy.  It was and is very important to celebrate the "Successes".  She thanked the community and the school children for all the cards, letters and food provided during these trying times.  Jenny said that everyone is very Tired.  It is important to continue to find the JOY in life to maintain a healthy life physically, mentally, and spiritually.  

Pam Ehly, Program Coordinator for December, introduced Marty Lenss, CID Airport Director. The CID airport is represented by a 5-member commission and has 4 core lines of business—Air Service (80%), Cargo, General/Corporate Aviation, and Property Development. There have been forty closures in the last year of carriers existing smaller markets, including Delta exiting Peoria, but CID has 5 airlines, which continue to invest in its market, and overall seats are up 11%. They just announced non-stop service to Sarasota and it is important we continue to use the airport. Phase 3 of the terminal modernization was completed with an outdoor patio, a Java House kiosk opened, and there is a mural highlighting the Iowa wave. Phase 4 is the last phase--the phases were designed so they could stop after each phase. Phase 4 has an eighteen-month design process then they will decide about more construction. They see more growth in air cargo, they are the 68^th largest cargo carrier in the country (Des Moines is #91). General Corporate Aviation is working with Kirkwood on an aviation maintenance technician program to address many job openings, including internships. Iowa employers have a 7% disadvantage (compared to states with sales tax exemptions) because they pay sales tax on “parts, equipment, and materials installed on aircraft.” Iowa needs 1) the right work force and 2) a sales tax exemption for better economic development and so companies don’t move aviation maintenance work to states with a sales tax exemption. CID considers land use and works on sustainability initiatives. CID launched Wings2Water.org, a 501(c)(3) to improve water quality. In response to a question from John Ockenfels, Marty said CID’s $21 million operating budget revenues include ticket sales, parking fees, rental cars, etc. and that if you have never flown, you haven’t paid for CID. President Liz Nichols, Pam and the members thanked Marty. Brian Adamec asked about cargo security. Marty replied that TSA does baggage screening, and on international flights, you must be on the plane before your baggage goes on the plane.

Taylor Wherheim, Program Coordinator, for December introduced today's speaker:   Jeff Capps, Director for the Iowa's Children Museum.  Jeff worked for Habitat for Humanity beginning in 2009 then joining the Children's Museum when Deb Dunkhase retired.   The Children's Museum has been in its current location since 1999 serving over 2 million children with active learning experience.  The museum has s strong foundation and leadership.  "It's a happy talent to know How to Play", Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Jeff asked?  What is a childhood experience that you still hold dear?  Answers ranged from laugher, joy, dolls, ice skating, bubbles, planting corn, and spending days at the lake. Iowa Children's Museum has five key education initiatives:  Literacy Financials, Arts and Culture, Science Technology Education and Math:  STEM, Life and social skills, and Healthy Kids School Readers.

During the pandemic, the staff at the museum developed virtual learning, ICM to go, Play Parks for hands on learning at home.  The Iowa Children's Museum is a very important part of the Corridor community. 

  

Taylor Wertheim, program coordinator for November introduced Casey Cook to perform "What Jazzes You Up?".  The member show-cased today was Joan Nobiling.  Joan is from upstate New York.  She was and educator with an emphasis on Mental Health.  Joan moved to Iowa City four years ago. Joan has a master's degree in mental health.  Joan said after being ill, she learned that you must endorse yourself and enjoy yourself.  She lives at Oaknoll and is very glad to be a Rotarian. 

 

Taylor Wertheim, November Program Coordinator introduced District Governor Khanolkar.  Alka thanked the club for the opportunity to serve as Governor and give her Governor's address.  Alka talked about leadership, public image, The Rotary Foundation, Satellite Clubs, increasing membership and human trafficking. 

She expanded on R. I. President Sekhar Meta message To Bring a Guest to Rotary to help increase membership.   She talked about all the good that Rotary does Internationally with Global grants and the fight to end Polio in the two countries.

She talked about President Elect Training is virtual in February.  The All-Iowa District Conference will be held April 22, and 23 at the Hyatt Regency in Coralville.  This is a joint conference with 5970.  The first time the districts have held a joint conference was 75 years ago.  The International Convention will be June 4-8 in Houston. 

 

Mark Patton, Program Coordinator for October Dr. Jerald Schnoor, Department of Civil and Environment Engineer, University of Iowa.  The temperatures continue to get hotter each year 2016 was the hottest year on record and 2020 came in second.  Each decade continues to be hotter since 1970.  The Paris agreement was not enough.  AR6 a Code 
Red new report from UNIPCC.  There will be a conference In Glasgow November 1-12, 2021.  There will be 197 countries, 120 head of states, There needs to 45% emissions by 2030, net zero by 2050.  How Can We Do It?  By listening really listening to each other.  By changing hearts and opening minds, Cleaner healthier, fairer, more resilient, social justice and social equality.  Who suffers the most:  People of color, rural people, low income families.  We must change to survive!

Mark Patton, Program Coordinator for October, introduced Mary Mascher and Karin Franklin member of our Club.   Mary is in the 86th District of the House of Representatives. 

Karin and Mary will speak on Beyond Pallaitive ;  The option of Medical Aid in Dying. She talked about the need to talk about the quality of the end of life. Pallaitive care lessens the pain and suffering, some people choose to stop eating and drinking. Medical Aid in Dying gives the person the choice how and when to end their life with self medication prescribed by a doctor. There are only a few states that Medical Aid in Dying is legal:  Oregon, 1994, Washington, Montana, Vermont, California 2015 , Colorado, Hawaii, New Jersey, Washington D. C. and New Mexico 2021.  Mary Mascher said that this procedure requires medical action.  She said people must be educated.  This is a family affair and everyone needs to talk to their families.   She said that the House of Representatives has been trying for at least 10 years to get this procedure through the legislature.  Senator Bolkam has been working in the Senate for the same legislation.   P. E. Jenny Seylar said that both Mercy and U of I has a program "Honor you Wishes".  

Mark Patton, October program coordinator, introduced Chris Jones of U of I Hydrology.  The topic:  Update on Water Quality in Iowa City.  Chris talked about Iowa Quality information Systems and  the different glacier eras:  The pre-Illionian, Illionian, and the Wisconsin glacier and how each glacier has effected the land and climate. There used to be many wetlands, tall prairie grasses, and many forests. Today some of the issues are:  70% corn and soy beans, 13,000 sq. miles used for ethical production, 25 M hogs, 4 M cattle, 80 laying chickens, 5 M turkeys, 4 M boiler chickens, 220,000 dairy cattle.  What can be done to improve?  

Ban cropping for 2 years, Ban Fall tillage, Ban manure on snow and frozen ground, make framers adhere to ISU fertilizer guidelines, reformulate CAFO regulations. 

 

Join us at the Ashton House, 820 Park Rd, Iowa City, 5:30-8pm to celebrate the efforts to End Polio on Thursday, Oct 21. 

 

Mark Patton, October Program Coordinator, introduced Dr. Hans House, Covid Update.  Dr. House said that the Delta variant has peaked  in the U. S.  Iowa has not peaked.  Boosters are definitely needed.   Covid is endemic.  We need to get to the point where it is just like the flu.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel but may be an oncoming train.

Masking works if everyone where's them.  In order to protect at the highest level wear an N-95.   One of the goals is to make a

Covid vaccine part of the schools required vaccines. Europe is doing fairly good.  It will be along time before Africa will be vaccinated. Long term effects can be heart and lung damage.  Athletes who have contracted Covid have MRI's done to be sure there is not heart and lung damage.

Dr. House slides will be made available.   

Deb Dunkhase introduced Cassie Elton owner of Antelope Lending Library and Book Mobile: speaker for today.  The Book Mobile began in 2012. The mission of Open Heartland is provide full and equal access to information at no fee and no barriers.  Common barriers are:  transportation-no car, geography-living in county, language, documentation-no ID, money.  Public libraries require identification-borrowers need ID to obtain a library card.   The Book Mobile began in 2012 with a budge of $5,000.  In 2021 a second Book Mobile was purchased for $75,000.  There are five part time people and eight regular volunteers.  They serviced one day care, 9 neighborhoods serving 66 households. In 2020 home delivery began to 992 residents with 5, 230 books. Partners:  Johnson County Foundation. Iowa City Schools, North Liberty Library, Day Dreams Comics, Haunted Bookshop, Children Museum, Prairie Lights, Open Heartland, City of Iowa City, Coralville Public Library, South District, Porch Light.

2021:  Where does the money go?  5 part time staff, vehicle, driver, supplies, fuel, office space, fundraising, marketing materials, books and signage. 

For more information:  info.@antelopelending.org.  Cassie Elton phone number :  319-343-6872

 

 

 

Dave Cook, District Membership Chair and PDG Steve Dakin speakers for today.  Dave noted these statistics:  Current members target 2022 80/82, current 56% women vs 32%District.  13% under vs 10% under 50 .  Compelling facts I. C. Am membership has been very resilient over the past 10 years.  Significant growth 2014 + 9%, 2017 +7% and 2020 +7%.  Lost 5% 4 members due to pandemic vs. district average 7.3%.  Iowa City was at the start of the pandemic.  How to Grow Rotary:  1.  Do we accept the challenge.  2. How will the club grow to 80-82 members by June 2022.  Follow up with current  members that have not been engaged.  Newer members need to be mentored and involved. Take a meeting a perform a health check.  Dave and Steve talked about setting up a Satellite Club as am after hours or sunset club.  You can also set up a caused base club.  The club does not have to meet every week and can be 5:30 -6:30 pm as people are coming from work.  A Satellite member need to be part of the clubs Board of Directors.  Rotaractor's do not pay dues.

If they become a Rotarian then they must at least pay R. I. and District dues. Boone and Nevada have very successful setting up a satellite club. Both Dave and Steve said that Iowa City has the potential to have several satellite clubs 

Deb Dunkhase, Program Coordinator for September introduced the speaker for today:  Linda Eastman Founder Board member Casa Calibri. The Casa Colibri Literacy in the Western Highlands of Guatemala.  Local Teacher identifies a program for 40 villages. The facts:  Children do not read at grade level, start Day 1, unable to catch up.  The program they developed was outside reading with 4-6 students covering 3-4 books over a 4 month period.  They encouraged the children to think outside of the box. This was a pilot program that was highly successful. The teachers incorporated multi-learning and made a party.  This helped to improve reading one book at a time.  One book they focused on was "Jack and the Beanstalk".  This help them to learn about agriculture.  They were able to have little planting plots where they planted radishes.   They were given prizes of Interactive Solar Lamps.

There was much success with "Readers to Leaders".

Casey Cook, Program Coordinator, for August introduced the two past immediate past presidents. Amy Nicholson and Hazel Seaba.  Casey asked what were some of the things they remember most during their Presidency.  Amy said taking on projects and keeping eye on the ball.  Hazel said finding new projects , finding a champion, and moving the project forward.  What are the top three important parts of your Presidency.  Amy:  Perfected the Hybrid meetings .  Speakers from around the world.  It was a privilege to serve the Club. 

Hazel:  Decision to shift club dues,  Had to move on line with little warning.  100 percent Paul Harris.  Thanks to many club members who donated points to members.  Hazel also it was a privilege to serve the Club.    Casey felt they were both DG candidates.  He asked their opinions.  Both said an emphatic NO.   Both agreed there was a hugh time commitment.

Hazel felt it was a couples District and that you needed to be a couple in order to run for DG.  Deb Ockenfels said that Jill Olson from 5970 and Jackie Andrew both ran as District Governor on their own.  It can certainly be done. Amy talked about the advantage of attending International Conventions.   Amy said she attend her first International Convention when she was 18 years old.  She talked about the opportunity to meet people from around the world and make friends for life.  She talked about the Rotary Action Groups (RAG).  She said there were may breakout sessions that were very beneficial to all.  She also talked about the House of Friendship and how she helped in the Club Foot Booth. 

Casey Cook, Program Coordinator for August, introduced Shelley Maharry President and CEO of The Johnson County Community Foundation. What is a Community Foundation? A Community Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable nonprofit organization established to serve a specific geographic region.  Community foundations build funds that support community needs, with a focus on creating endowment funds for the long-term benefit of local charitable projects and programs. Community  foundations are trusted and valuable resources for individuals, families, businesses, nonprofit organizations and professional advisors working to build local philanthropy, and a vehicle for people of all means to make lasting difference in their community. 

Community Foundations Play Three Important Roles:  1.  Work with donors.  A community  foundation grows assets through contributions form many donors.  

Donor-advised agency and scholarship funds allow donors to make contributions to the causes they care about most.  Thee funds are invested by the community  foundation and over time grow to produce greater philanthropic good.

Casey Cook introduced the speaker for today Nicki Ross, Executive Director, and Nora Gorde of Table to Table. "Wasted Food is a Wasted Opportunity".  Table to Table partners with Scattergood School, grocery stores, Kum and Go, Hy-Vee Gas stations, Extreme Arena, Kinnick Stadium, and U of I cafeteria.  

Nicki spoke on Garden Recovery:  Table to Table connects garden produce with Hunger relief agencies. Hundreds of pounds of homegrown produce collected this summer so far.  There has been 13,300 lbs. of fresh produce recovered this season.  

A new program was produced this past year:  "GLEANING'"  Gleaning has 16 volunteers and was spear headed by Nora Gorde.  Ten percent of food grown in the U. S. is left behind in the fields.  Volunteers harvest the extra produce and donate it to relief areas.  This program was three years in the making.  Table to Table usually receives between $3,000-$10,000 annually from the Johnson County Community Foundation.  

Table to Table is currently located at 347 S. Capitol St.  September 1, they will move to 1049 Hwy. 6 in the Pepperwood Plaza.  

How can you help?  Volunteer or make a donation to Table to Table. 

Nancy Pacha introduced the RYLA and World Affairs Students.  Nancy spoke on the importance of attending both these programs to gain valuable leadership skills and Woto learn about World Peace and Understanding.  We were able to four west High Students to RYLA and Six students to World Affairs. The noon club also send six students to World Affairs.  Three students made a presentation on RYLA.  The activity "Take a Look Around was talked about.  This activity brings out the good and the bad feelings that students have.  LGDBQ was talked about. Questions:  What to Know and What to say.  At the end of the day there were rap sessions to discuss the events of the day.  There were usually 12 individuals on a RYLA  team.   Coe College has wonderful food.  RYLA is a "Life Changing Experience and you make many friends for "Life"

World Affairs was held virtually. The theme was Justice and International Bias.  Next years theme is Reenergizing Global Health.   World Affairs will continue to be virtual.

 

 

 

 

 

Casey Cook, Program Coordinator for August introduced Kate Markham, current Development Director and Aaron Weiner, Administrative Assistant from Riverside Theatre.

Kate has a background in the arts and finance, joining Riverside in 2019 as Development.  Aaron first worked with Riverside Theatre as a performer in 2004, is a graduate of UI Theatre Arts program and became of a member of the staff this year. 

Kate provided a brief history of Riverside Theatre, Iowa City's only resident professional theatre company.  Riverside Theatre was founded by Ron Clark and Jodi Hovland, along with Bruce Wheaton in 1981.  The permanent location beginning in 1990 was Gilbert Street(Gilpin Paints warehouse( space.  In 1999 the outdoor stage in City Park was constructed and Riverside expanded its calendar to include summer performances in the park.  The lease on Gilbert St. expired in 2020 during the pandemic and performances shut down, the theatre was unable to come to new terms with the landlord and made the decision to leave the space. During the pandemic, they produced several virtual performances., filming, and broadcasting with Zoom.  The new space will be located in the Crescent Block redevelopment project in the space that housed the Union Bar and historically as the Montgomery Ward building. The new space will have flexible black box theatre with seating up to 150 seats, a large lobby with a view of the ped mall through floor to ceiling windows, and accessibility for both artists and patrons.   There will be increased programing and a commitment to continue to produce both new works and those have stood the test of time. 

They will take possession of the new space in October and the first production will take in January, 2022. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karin Franklin, Program Coordinator, introduce Nancy Bird, Iowa City Downtown District.  Nancy spoke on the Iowa City Downtown District being a nonprofit that will celebrate its 10 year anniversary in 2022. The vision is a hub of 300 business and 150 property managers.  They have partnerships with Iowa Area Development Group and The Chamber along with the support of the Police Department. Events:  The Pride Parade in October, Mission Creek, Iowa City Arts, and the Block Party held last weekend. The Block Party was very well attended and very successful.  The Downtown District is in Covid-19 Recovery.  Shop local ethic, continued Take out, 20% of businesses failed.  10% closed right away.  

Some upcoming stores downtown:  More retail dry goods, Catering to faculty and students,  baby store, micro events.  The Union Bar is going to be a new brewery coming this fall. 

The US Bank lot will become a student house complex. 

There is a grant program to help bars improve bathrooms. 

Karin Franklin, Program Coordinator,  introduced Ashley Lindley, Human Rights Commissioner speaking on Implicit Bias. She believes in life long learning.  She talk about the fact that we "All Have Biases".  She spoke about UPR (Unconditional Positive Regard)  Treat Other as You wish to be Treated. There are no stupid questions and having a safe place. She has been working with Human Rights for two years.  This is a three year position.  She hope to continue.  Education is the key helping all of us with our personal biases. It is important to develop an understanding of people different than yourself. Read book and log into Ted Talks.  She recommended that everyone take the Harvard Implicit Assessment.

For further information contact Ashley at:  ashley.hrc@gmail.com. The Iowa City Human Rights Commissioner meet the 4th Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

Karin Franklin Program Director introduced, Lisa Barnes, Executive Director, Summer of the Arts.  Lisa talked about the wonderful Jazz Festival held July 2-July 4, 2021.

Soul & Blues Festival will be held July 30, 31, 2021.  The Iowa Festival will be held August 13-15, 2021.  Summer of the Arts Holiday Thieves Market December 4,5,2021.

Friday Night Concert Series:  May 21-September 10, 2021.  Northside Concert Series June 9, 10, August 21, September 11, and September 19, 2021. Free Movie Series 2021"Friday nights May 29 thru Oct. 2.  Music on the Move:  June 9,  Kevin Burt June 23, Dave Zollo July 14, Kevin Burt July 28,  Dave Zollo Aug 4, Kevin Burt  &August 25, Dave Zollo,

Lisa shared two videos of all the action happening in Iowa City.   

President Liz called the meeting to order at Upper City Park Shelter 3 at 7:05 am. 

Rotarians in the News:  Dave Parson was mention in the Oaknoll Magazine.  His band will be playing at Oaknoll. 

Rotary Moments were shared by Jim Peterson and Nenu Piragine on Global Grants and VTT.  Currently a VTT is being work on for Argentina. We have successfully had VTT's in Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, Bolvia. We have contributed to the water projects in Tanzania.  There will be site testing for Hybrid meetings beginning at 4:00 pm Thursday July 8, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church.   The first meeting will be July 13th at Zion, July20th at St. Andrews, and July 27th at St. Marks.  Valerie distributed her menu listing.  Members can order from Val on line, pay through Venemo or bring a check.  She will give members a 20% discount.  Orders must be made 2 days in Advance. 

The District Grant Committee has met and sent dollar recommendations to R. I.   We should have approval within the next two weeks. 

 

 

President Amy talked about her goals over the last year: 18 members filled committee slots, 31 members service projects, sponsored new members, District Training and District Conference.  It was a year of Zoom and six pop-up socials.   We completed two grants Human Trafficking Bill Boards and Buddy Benches.  Chartered a Rotaract Club and continued with the Interact Clubs.  She talked about Where did the money come from?  What did our Dues fund, Where did we distribute money for and the Generous Giving. 80% of the members paid full dues during the Pandemic.  The projects she wants to continue are Can Do, working on the By-Laws, finishing a new member brochure about the Rotary and our Club.  Research potential new meeting sites and testing Hybrid before going live on July 13th. 

President Amy presented plaques to the outgoing Directors:  Amanda McFadden, Tom Langenfeld, and Mike O'Leary.  Tom and Mike were not in attendance.  Plaques will be delivered.

President Amy passed the Gavel to President Elect Liz Nichols. 

There was no speaker for today.  President Amy open up four break out rooms and we all had a chance to share ideas.

Alta Medea-Peters introduced speakers ; Julia Poska and Giselle Bruskweitz.  Presentation Field to Family.  Field to Family is a community based non profit 401c3.

The mission is to provide Food System education, enhance enviornmental economic community health through local foods, and expand access to local farms.  There is community support from Johnson County Board of Supervisors, City of Iowa City, wholesale customers, and farmer partners. What is local food within 30-100 miles.  Partners :  schools, early care, universities, retirement homes, and restaurants.  On Line market 2020-2021.  Farm to School Program history ICCSD formed 2010.

What's in the Future?  Scale up local farms, partner with school districts, works towards a more just, equitable and inclusive food system.

DVIP has connected free food in June .  What can we do?  Donate and volunteer. 

Alta Medea-Peters, June program coordinator, introduced Will Kapp todays speaker.  His topic Iowa Compassion and World Garden.  He works on food importance to all.  He graduated from City High in 2006.  Global Food Project works with local communities.  Global Food Project seeks to provide safe environment where families can share life experiences, build trust between cultures and embrace diversity.  Food Securities:  Founded  501C3 in 2016 Aymen Sharif, 2017 Garden extension.  A one acre at Johnson County Poor Farm has been developed with 38 garden plots, 287 families, 7 counties, 1 part time program manager that is himself (Will Kapp)

"Who We Are"  Provide 400 sq. foot plots with seed and plants.  Spring garden preparation with weekly irrigation, access to tools, straw, mulch, and compost. 

"Where are We Going"  Increase garden space, develop more educational resources on sustainable grocery, Provide larger plots for individuals research local markets.  Create more leadership  roles and positions for gardeners. 

"How To Help"?  At Global Food Project.  Build resilient food movement for all the community. $10-$50 resources for garden, $50-$100 larger tools and equipment $100 plus future program. 

For more information email:  will@iccompassion.org.

Alta Medea-Peters, June Program Coordinator introduced Leah Parillo today's speaker.  Leah is with DVIP.  Her presentation today was on Human Trafficking.

DVIP provides advocacy to victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and human trafficking as well as providing safe sheltering for survivors of sexual assault.  Our primary focus is domestic violence but all these crimes involve interpersonal violence where one person uses power and control over another person. 

Human Trafficking defined:  Recruiting, harboring, transporting, or obtaining individuals through the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of labor or commercial sexual activity.  Labor Trafficking:  Forced labor that results in involuntary servitude, debt bondage or slavery. Sex Trafficking:  Commercial Sexual Activity, Any Sex act or sexually explicit act (videos, dance clubs or show) for which anything of value is promised given or received.  Knowingly purchasing or attempting to purchase service involving commercial sexual activity.  Leah went on to talk about how the relationship are formed with victims. Traffickers may also target vulnerable populations.  She went on to explain the differences between sex trafficking and labor trafficking.  At DVIP:  The goal is to help survivors accomplish what they want to do.  A typical stay at the shelter is 45 days.  Use Language Line for translation services.  Connect survivors with Chains Interrupted, the local human trafficking-specific program. To provide safety planning and support for the goals of each survivors.

 

Jenny Seylar, Program Coordinator for May introduced the three Interact members that will be the program for today:  Fareeha Ahmad-President, Anna Verry-President Elect, and Helen Zhang.    The Title of the Program "This Year 1440 Interact Club Overcoming Challenges"  They worked out on line meeting based on when the group could meet morning or afternoons.  Helen Zhang talked about Recording and Reading Books for Open Heartland and they made handmade tie blankets for Shelter House.  Anna talked about making Thank you card for Mercy Hospital Healthcare workers and patients.  They also provided goody bags.  The first in person event was Campus Cleanup on Earth Day.  Fareeha talked about making cookies for Open Heartland, making bookmarks for school library.  Made posters for school hall and classroom.  Made cards for elderly and teachers and nurses. Raised $114 for House into Homes. Inside Out Re-entry:  Resource Center, Table to Table, Nancy Pacha sharing about Rotary, Jenny Seylar sharing about Mercy Hospital, Rotary Youth Exchange and Iowa Children's Museum. A video was shown to help uplift people for the New Year and the upcoming end of Covid.  The video consisted of Oboe playing, dancing by several young people.  The last event of the year will be Walk for Water.  A walk from West High to the River beginning at 4:30 pm on Friday May 8, 2021.

Fareeha will be graduating and attending the University of Iowa and also joining Rotaract. 

President Amy introduced Dawn Oliver Wiand our speaker today.  Dawn is President of The Iowa Women's Foundation.   She joined the foundation in 2013.  There are many barriers to economic  sustainability for Iowa women and girls.   70% of females lack affordable health care.  Employers could help is they would provide health care.  The Iowa Women's Foundation works for Child Care Availability, Affordability and sustainability.  They help provide for 35 communities across the state for child care.  Some areas"  Building community child care solutions collective.  Economic issues:  Businesses coming together to provide child care. Elected officials are willing to get child care legislation on the books that would support working families. 

Economic recovery and child care:  Goals:  Expand the network, increase awareness, increase public and private partnerships.

We must:  Get the facts, educate, assess, develop, and invest in child care for employers.

Call for action:  Share the information from today with three people.  Support the local child care coalition with time and expertise.  Encourage companies to offer child care.

For more information:  Dawn's email:  dawn@iawf.org.  Phone # 319-774-3814.

Casey Cook interviewed newest member Anne Langguth in this months "What Jazzes You Up"?  Anne went into medicine to help people and build relationships.  She attended Harvard and The University of Iowa for medical school.  She is an pediatric ophthalmologist. She was Miss Iowa in 2009.

She is married and has a 19 month old and her husband has 2 children one in college and one is high school.  She had the opportunity to got to China with the World Food Prize.  She is very plays the violin and sees Doris Preucil as one of her many mentors.  She wants to make a difference and is excited to be a member of The Rotary Club of Iowa City AM. 

Jean Knepper, Program Chair introduced Barbara Vinograde, Executive Director Free Medical Clinic.  The clinic is celebrating a 50 year anniversary.

There are 33 free medical clinics in Iowa.  The Clinic currently is located at 2440 Towncrest Drive, Iowa City.  The mission of the clinic is is to provide quality comprehensive healthy service for the uninsured and under insured in Johnson County and surrounding area.  The 2021 Budget is $642,868..  They work with United Way, Community Foundation, Communities, North Liberty,, Coralville and  Iowa City. They work through service clubs, churches, grants and fund raising events. The clinic was able to remain open during Covid.  The clinic was able to add Tele-medicine

The clinic largest fund raiser is Friday After Work.  The hope is this event may be able to be held during the fall.

Mark Patton, April Program Coordinator introduced Dr. Hauns House.  Dr. House gave us a Covid-19 update. Dr. House said that we were in the 4th wave with the Variant B117 the UK variant.  Michigan is the worst state with his thought that Florida will be next. Both the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines are effective for the variant B117 and less effect for the South African B1351.  The Astrazenca moderately effective n the B117 and ineffective on the B1351.  There are risk of blood clots with this vaccine.  The object is to get the Herd Immunity.  Everyone 16 and older is available for the vaccine at this time. Dr. House stated that there is reluctance from some people mainly Republicans. Some schools may require the vaccine to return to school this fall. He said that he expects a full stadium for Hawkeye Football this fall. There will most likely be a Covid season in the late fall and winter. He said domestic travel is fine but cautioned on International Travel until mid to late fall 2022.

His hope is that by mid 2022 all kids will be vaccinated.  He says there will  need to be a booster, however, time line has not been determined..

There were many great questions for Dr. House.

 

Mark Patton, April Program Coordinator, introduced Dr Liz Loeb.  Liz presentation was on NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness.  The NAMI  virtual walk will be May 22, 2021.  Liz has participated in the walk the last four years.  This year NAMI is hoping to raise $130,000 in donations from the walk. Liz spoke about stress disorders and drug abuse.  70% of the criminal justice system suffers from mental health issues.  45% of jail patients are treated for mental health issues. She said that on PBS it was said that 1000 people are shot by police annually in the U. S. There needs to be more intervention training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pam Ehly, program coordinator for March, introduced speaker Sarah Fairchild, ICCSD Music Director-Virtual Instruction.

Sarah holds a Master and PhD.. She enjoys seeing the pride an joy that music, arts, theater and dance bring to the students. Through these studies, students have learned creative problem solving, cultural and flexible thinking. Sarah talked about before the pandemic.  There would 25-30 students participating in performances for the entire day.  March 2020 came the reality of Zoom, Face Time interaction.  Performances were done on line. The students were able to watch performances from around the world. She showed a short Video of Kids Sing 2021.  All in All the students have learned a lot from Virtual music instruction.

Casey Cook:  "What Jazzes You Up?"  with Mary Murphy.  Mary is an attorney, instructor, and mother. Casey asked how she could balance all these professions?  She said her husband Gregg does a lot of the house keeping and share a lot of home duties.  They use to be neighbors with the Cook's. She is currently teaching Business Law to Seniors at the Tippe School of Business.   She received her undergrad at Marquette in Milwaukee and her law degree at the U of I School of Law. She grew up near Chicago. 

Pam Ehly, March Program Coordinator introduced Principe of City High, John Bacon.  His topic was Renovated City High.  John has been the principle at City High for 11 years.   He thanked the club and the members for all the work that we do.  He talked about the Historical Time from Wednesday March 11, 2020 through this time today.  The year brought many challenges.  Total lock downs, hybrid, to back to in person learning.  He showed the dashboard of the activity and tracking of the virus.   The main goal of the year was to keep staff and students safe and well.

Some things that were created was the Friday Show webinar.  The purpose of this webinar was to bring positives messages.  The Theater Program is work on a play.  Robots  team and mock trials for teaching law.  The orchestra is practicing with social distancing and also on Zoom. 

John showed a video of the newly remodeled  City High.

 

Pam Ehly, March Program Coordinator introduced Superintendent of ICCSD Matt Degner.  The program today is K-12 Education and Covid-19.  Matt spent two years as Principle at S. E. Junior High.   He has learned that "Kind is better than Right".  85% of the staff has been vaccinated in the school system.  Beginning February 15, the state mandated that schools had to be in person  70% are in person and 30% still on line.  His passion is technology.  A website was developed for Covid-19.  Dash board is showing 72 students and 9 staff with the virus. 

Jean Knepper, February Program Coordinator, introduced Jeremy Endsley and his team from Community Transportation Committee(CTC) CTC is a 501c(3) tax deductible charity founded in 2015.  The mission is to expand affordable transportation options for low-income workers in Johnson County.

Why Transportation: Access to employment access to affordable housing, access to healthy food and medical and mental health service.  What do they do:  Advocacy and Direct Service.  Advocacy:  Determine and address gaps in transit services for low income workers, educate city council member on the issues.  Encourage better coordination among Iowa City and Coralville systems. Participate in MPO passenger transportation plan.

Jean Knepper, February Program Coordinator, introduced speaker Lidja Stojanovic National Resource Director of Bur Oak Land Trust.

The priority of Bur Oak Land Trust is to protect and conserve national areas locally since 1978.  The Trust protects 176,000 acres.  Preservation of diversity and quality habitat, enhance habitat, community education and recreation outreach.  Who are they:  Funded in 1978, currently protecting 800 acres in three Iowa Counties.  They are a 501C3 funded via community support/Fed/State.  Bur Oak protects wetlands properties in the Solon area. The properties have been donated, supported by grants and donors. Big Grove

Preserves: provides shady outdoor world with community year round activities. Presents online and in person workshops, volunteer projects and youth groups.

President Amy introduced the speaker Heather Croskey from Ronald McDonald House Charities.  Unity Point, St Lukes and U. of I Stead Children Hospital.  Heather shared a video of how important the services are for parents of sick children.  They provide housing for a long as needed, a hot meal every night, play equipment for other children of the family.  They provide parking and transportation if necessary. 

Ronald McDonald House ground breaking was 35 years ago.  May 5, 1984.  September 7, 1985 was the ground breaking for the 18,000 sq. feet and 18 rooms. 2001 was the expansion of 9,000 sq. feet and added 12 rooms for a total of 31 rooms.

Karin Franklin, Program Coordinator for January introduced Tom Barta, ICAD Director of Strategic Growth+The Greater Iowa City Workforce apprenticeships and other programs. Graduate of U of I .  He worked in Texas and California prior to moving to Iowa. .  The Goal of the Iowa City Workforce is the enhance the quality of our community by serving the business development   He talked about Future Ready Iowa.  Apprenticeships in health care, trade, manufacturing.  There a programs through Kirkwood Community College.

He spoke about ICR (Iowa City-Cedar Rapids) Talent:  a coalition, Hub, Wingman-mentor.

 

 

The speaker had to cancel.  Our great President Amy broke us into rooms and posed five questions for us .  1.  Which person would you like to have  conversation with?  Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt, Teddy Roosevelt, Joe and Jill Biden, Abraham Lincoln, Steven Hopkin, Gore Vidal, and HarryTruman.  2.  If you could max out your credit card which store would it be?  Costco, Art Dealers, Amazon Smile, Travel Agency, Airline Tickets, Experience with people and animals.  3.  With your current cooking skills what would you serve a King.  John Ockenfels-Hot Dogs, Chris and Vernette Steak O'Poive, Jack, Hoppin John and Myrene, Lasagne. 4.  What skill is more important creativity or logic.  The group felt both is good but you must have logic to survive. 5.  If you could go any where in the state of Iowa where would you go?   Places along the Mississippi, Mcgregor, places where there are restaurants along the water.

A great time had by all.

Deb Galbraith, December Program Coordinator, introduced Casey Cook for "What Jazzes you Up"  with Pat Schnack and new member Peggy Grimmer. Members of the club wore bath robes in honor of all the service that Pat has done through the years. Pat shared her love of teaching for over 25 years at West High, City High, and South East Junior High which ended up to be her favorite place to teach.  She enjoyed the junior high students. She felt that she was able to influence critical thinking with young students.  She talked about the influence of reading books on world war II and having an individual that had been in the war talk with the students.  The interesting thing was that the Japenese always told their soldiers to "Bring Honor to your Family".  Americans said " Come Home Safe" Pat will be leaving for Florida this weekend and hopes to attend the Zoom club meeting from Sunny Warm Florida. 

Peggy Grimmer to be continued in Story Content

Deb Galbraith, December Program Coordinator, and Valerie Martin introduced Hannah Holman, famous Cellist .  Her program is: "Have Fun for the Holidays"   Her last performance was March 3, 2020 Bach Cello Suites Festival Carnegie Hall, New York City. She joined the New York City Ballet Orchestra at the beginning of 2012-2013season.  She is principal cellist of the Quad City Orchestra.    She has played all over the world. She began her career in England.  Her grandmother taught her the Cello at the  young age of five.

Deb Galbraith, December Program Coordinator, introduced Mayor Bruce Teague our speaker for today.  Mayor Teague topic was Iowa City 2020.  He joined the City Council in 2018 and was elected Mayor January 2020.  He is a West High Graduate and earned his Bachelors Degree in Basic Psychology.

He has an associate degree in Nursing.  He has a business Caring Hands.  He is a member of the Rotary Club of Iowa City.

He missed the singing of Smile and Happy Bucks today.

 

 

Deb Galbraith, December Program Coordinator introduced Chuck Swanson, Executive Director of Hancher Performing Arts.

Chuck reflected on events in History that has shaped us all:  President Kennedy Assassination in Nov, 1963, 911, Sept. 11, 2001, Flood of 2008, and now Covid-19.  Chuck went on to talk about Alvin Alley.   Hancher  has created a webinar with the College of Public Health.  There were 400 participants in 43 states.  As Covid-19 hit, the Aug.-Dec. was cancelled. Jan.-March cancelled.  The rest we will see. 

Mark Patton, Program Coordinator for November, introduced Dr. Hans House, Dr. Hans House, of Emergency Medicine.  Updates on the Covid Pandemic.  Dr House went into great detail about the severity of the pandemic.  He said the third wave will be more severe than the last two waves.  He talked about Great Barrington Declaration.An infectious disease epidemiologists  and public health scientists we have grave concerns about the damaging physical and mental health impacts of the prevailing COVID-19policies and recommend an approach we call Focus Protection. Both Sweden and Norway have controlled the pandemic very well. Some treatments are:  Oxygen vs High Flow Nasal cannela.  Dexamethasone, Rendesiver, Convalesant sivar , Bamlanivimab.

 

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Mark Patton, Program Coordinator for November introduced the speaker:  Charles Connerly of the UI School of Planning and Public Affairs"Why is Iowa So White.  Charles explained about the impact of meat packing plants throughout Iowa. T.M. Sinclair was founded in 1872 in Cedar Rapids,  John Morrel in 1883 in Ottumwa, Rath Packing in 1899 in Waterloo, Turn of the century J. E. Decker, Mason City, Tobin Packing Co., Ft. Dodge, Iowa Packing Company, Des Moines, Dubuque Packing Company, Dubuque, Cudahy, Armour, Swift, Sioux City.  Kingan, Hygrade, Storm Lake, Rath Columbus Junction.

Jack Tank, October program coordinator introduced the speaker James Tutson of Neighborhoods.  James is a former Interacter and employee of Young Life. He and is wife developed Neighborhoods.  The goal is to unite the youth of the community with the other individuals in the community.  The goal is the to develop relationship while creating diversity in all activities.

Pam Ehly, Polio Survivor introduced the speaker for the All Club of Iowa City Polio Plus Fundraiser Event, PDG and Polio Plus Polio Chair Susan Herrick.  Susan talked about when Rotary took on the challenge in 1985 to eradicate Polio there were 350,00 cases, 2017 there were 22, 2018 33, 2020 there are 132 case with two countries left to eradicate Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Rotary is working the World Health Organization, CDC, and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  The Gates Foundation matches donations two to one.

Susan has gone an National Immunization Day to Niger.  She spoke about how meaningful it is to see the children and give them the Polio drops and know that they will not ever get the horrible disease of Polio.

 

 

Casey Cook introduced the speaker Sujit Singh, Executive Director Combined Efforts.  Combined Efforts began as a High School Adventure beginning in 2002. City Hi0gh School, our performers, our fundraiser, created an adaptation of Charles Dickens. In 2009 the events were open to the community working with people with disabilities.

Jack Tank introduced the speaker Cassie Elton, owner of Antelope Lending Library.  Cassie said tat Antelope Lending Library is a non-profit book mobile library.  The goal of the library is to provide library service to the communities in Johnson County.  They offered a Summer Book School Program to five mobile home parks. She has her husband as a volunteer and five part time employees.

Our Own Casey Cook does "What Jazzes You Up" with new member Taylor Wertheim and Allie Stutting.

Taylor is a former Rotary Youth Exchange Student 2013-2014 and Rotex Member 2014-2018, helping the Youth Exchange Committee train Inbound and Outbound students at training events.  She is currently employed by AmeriCorp working with low income high income students to enroll in college. 

Allie is a former RYLA student and counselor.  She is very involved with Dance Marathon.  She is employed by The University of Iowa with the Foundation.

Kate Sojka program chair for September introduced speaker Laura Elfers, Educational Engagement Director for Silos and Smokestacks Heritage Area.

"Where the American Agriculture Comes to Life" Part of a Military Landscape recognized by Congress for its unique contribution to the American Experience.  Why Agriculture?  Ranked as the greatest achievement of the 20th Century. 

"Food is the Moral Right of All who Born into the World"  Dr. Norman Borlaug for Cresco Iowa, boyhood home.  The top soil in Iowa use to be a 14-16&  grade now has dropped down to 6-8%.

Kate Sojka introduced the speaker Rick Hollis speaking on Iowa City Bird Club.  Website https://www.iowacitybirdclub.org

Rick spoke about the types of birds that he has come to his feeders in the winter months.  It is $20 to become a member of the Iowa City Bird Club.  During normal circumstances, there are meetings and each member receives a newsletter.

 

Kate Sojko, Program Coordinator for September introduced speakers Guy Courtney and Anita Laurence.  Their presentation was on Coral Reef Restoration

Guy spoke about he Under Water World. People enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. He showed a short film by Dr. Joanie Klepas showing that 71% of the earths surface is created by the ocean.  75% of the air we breathe is produced in the ocean. "NO Matter Where You Live, The Ocean Impacts You"

The Great Barrier Reef spans 1600 miles from Green Bay Wisconsin to Miami, Florida.

District Governor Steve Dakin delivered his address to the club by Zoom. First Lady Lesley Dakin was in attendance.

D. G. Dakin talked about Rotary's International President Holger Knaack from Germany  R.  I.  President Knaack has brought Rotaract as Rotarian's   He and is his wife Susan have hosted 40 Youth Exchange Students. His signature glasses, he does not need.

Steve and Lesley met  Holger in Kansas City Zone Institute in 2019.   He immediately commented on Steve's Purple Beard for Polio.

When they went to International Assembly in San Diego in January, 2020.  R. I. President Holger immediately acknowledged Steve.

No Meeting due to storm on August 10, 2020 Derecho.

Jenny Seylar, July Program Coordinator, introduced speaker Lucy Baker.  Her presentation was on Barker Houses into Homes.  Barker Houses into Homes is a 501C3 that provides beds, bedding, and furniture to families in Johnson County.

Jenny Seylar, Program Coordinator, for July introduced Speaker Tonya Goldburn and Jason Blue.  The presentation today is:  Hospice 101 and Covid19.  Tonya and Jason are social workers at the Avalon Hospice House in Iowa City, Iowa.

WHY CHOOSE AVALON HOSPICE? 

Every Moment matters

Small Company, large layout

Care with Integrity

Compassionate, responds timely

Referral handled within three hours time frame.

Keep Top Ten Commitments

 

Casey Cook program today was "What Jazzes You Up".

The members today interviewed were Allison Bettine and Jennifer De La Cruz

Mark Patton, June Program Coordinator introduced speakers, Deb Dunkhase, Theresa Burns, and Elizabeth Bernel speaking on Open Heartland.

Deb began the program giving a background on the program.  She state that Gratitude Changes Everything.   She said that we are lucky to live in a community with high quality of Education and Medical Facilities, fiends willing to help.  Rotary opens the eyes both Internationally and locally.  We celebrate a diverse community. Allison Bettine is very active with Open Heartland.  Deb continued with "It Takes A Village".  The future depends on how we raise the children.

Deb Galbraith, Program Coordinator for May introduced the speakers for today Nancy MacFarlane,  Artistic Director, Ethel Baker.  Nancy is from Philadelphia and found Crescendo Children's Choir. Ethel's husband was the Principle at several schools, Coon Rapids, Boon and moved to Iowa City to become the 1st principle of West High.   Nancy met Ethel through social groups.  They began talking and decided that An opera should be developed based on the book that Ethel wrote.  "For the Love of Pete"  This book is about orphan trains that existed between 1830-1926 began in New York and came to Hartfield, Iowa, The trains were in every state that was in the union as well as Canada and Mexico. Ethel found out about the orphan trains though the Iowa Historical Society.  She was fascinated  with the story of all the children and decided to write the book.

The Opera is slated to open in June 2021.

     Nancy Macfarlane, Crescendo Children's Choir

Deb Galbraith, May Program Chair, introduced Dr Nicolosi, speaker for today. He is a graduate of the U of I Dental School.  He is an artist, film maker, coming to us from Chicago.  He worked with celebrities for the 50th Anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Iowa Dental Alum Takes a Bite Out of Hollywood.  During Covid 19, Dr. Nicolosi developed "Celebrity Talk Line".  He has a documentary focusing on Getting Through Hardships, and focusing on Goals.  He is working on filming Batman and Robin, interviewing Ed Asner,  He is also an artist.  For more information go to www.artistnicolosi.com.

Deb Galbraith, May Program Coordinator, introduced speaker Dr. Maureen(Micki) McCue, Physicians for Social Responsibility.  Her topic:  Climate Change is Sickening.  This year is the 50th year of Earth Day, every day should be Earth Day.  Climate change also brings health concerns. Earth has been warming .02 36 degrees warmer.  Last year was the 2nd hottest year on record with 2016 being the 1st... The components:  Global Warming, Global Change , Climate Chaos or Climate Weary, Climate Stress, and Climate Hazard.Dr. McCue talked about degrees of death in a 10 year span in several countries. We have seen higher temperatures, drought, violent storms.  There is an impact on children, P.T.S.D. in adults and domestic abuse. She compared Climate change to Covid-19:  Elderly response to temperatures rising, impoverished people, poor health conditions.

Casey Cook mentioned a really great Book on Climate Change entitled "Draw Down".

  Dr. Maureen McCue

 

Deb Galbraith, Program Coordinator for May introduced the speaker  Dr. Dianne Atkins.  Dr. Atkins topic was CPR/AED Training and Awareness-Program, Rotary-Kerber  Heartsafe Community  Campaign, a project of the Rotary Club of Iowa City.  Dr. Atkins explained the difference between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack. Her presentation today will concentrate on Cardiac Arrest.  For More information:  Website:  iowaheartsafe.org

 

Past President Deb Dunkhase presented the program today on Iowa Most (Miles of Smiles Team 2020, Team Leader and Chair.

Deb showed a power point of many of the patients before surgery for Cleft lip and palet and after surgery.  The Iowa Most Team celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the mission in Huehuetegango, Guatemala.  The major crops are Coffee and Chocolate.  In 2005 the Iowa Most Team was formed by Bill Olin, Dr. John Canady PDG Gary and Nancy Pacha, and Dr. Pete Wallace.   Cataract surgery was added last year to the mission.  This year 102 people had cataract surgery.  In addition to the surgeries, water, health, and education have been added.  Each student was given a book of their very own.   Deb thanked many individuals that had participated over the 15 years.

Nancy Pacha, talked about how it is all about relationships, and the team. This year the mission was Jan. 17-Feb. 2.  There were 41 volunteers. PDG Gary Pacha thanked Deb Dunkhase for her leadership as the Chair and team leader of Iowa Most.

The 1st Rotary Club of Iowa City AM, Rotary Rodeo held at the back parking lot of Lensing Funeral Home,     Kirkwood Room at 7:30 am. 

The Rotary Rodeo was share by member in their moon roof, in cars, and standing far apart.

Deb Galbraith came in Rodeo Hat and The Flag of the United States.

Valerie Martin also came dress in Rotary Hat.

Guest:  Mark Ruggeburg, President of the Rotary Club of Iowa City Downtown was our "Video Miester". 

Our Song Meister, Chris Knapp led us in 3 songs.  God Bless America, April Birthdays, there was one  Carolyn Wanat and everyone's Smile.

Thanks to all that attended today Rotary Rodeo.

Next Rotary Rodeo for The Rotary Club of Iowa City Am is Tuesday April 14, 2020 at 7:30 am, same parking lot at Lensing Funeral Home.

Casey Cook, March Program Coordinator introduced our speakers:  Pilots Peter Teahen and PDG John Ockenfles.  They talked about Around the World:  Flight to End Polio.  Peter and John talked about fuel consumption, cost of fuel and explained a lot of the equipment that will be taken on the journey.Peter has experience in the mental health field.  The trip has been a year and half in the planning.  The flight was to begin March 24th and end May 9.  Due to the Coronovirus, the flight has been postponed until July 7 returning August 25th .  The club collected donations for the flight.  Deb and John will match dollar for dollar the donations made by the club's members.  The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match two to one.

Seth Talbot, February Program Coordinator introduced The Honorable Bruce Teague, Mayor of  Iowa City.  Bruce is graduate of West High.  He opened his

business Caring Hands and More in 2004. In 2018 he joined the  Iowa City Council .  He worked at Oaknoll and  Iowa City Hospice, where he learned the importance of elderly care. He explained that everything is a journey in life.

The Honorable Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, and Rotarian Seth Talbot

Seth Talbot, February Program Coordinator introduced speaker Judy Joyce director of TAKO (Take a Kid Outdoors). 

Judy gave an update on the TAKO program.  TAKO was founded in 2006 by Dick Jensen.  He brought together like minded people to form this a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting unstructured play in other words, old fashion "free time"   TAKO mission is to immerse  participants in enjoyable activities to develop an attitude of joy, wonder, love and respect for our natural world.

Rotarians Seth Talbot and Judy Joyce, Director of TAKO

Seth Talbot, Program Organizer for February Casey Cook, our Famous "What Jazzes You Up"  Author.

He introduced new member Lori and Mark Stanley. Mark was in the Military as a Flight Surgeon for the Navy.  Lori is an Art Teacher and artist.

They have three children ages 39, 37, and 29 years.  They have four grandchildren.  One of their favorite areas that they were stationed was the Azores.

[Photo: Rotarians Mark Stanley, Casey Cook, and Lori Stanley]

Lori said many times that " they had felt truly blessed with all their travels with the Military." 

Karin Franklin, January Program Coordinator, introduced Rob Hogg Senator in the Iowa House since 2007.  He served in the House four prior to that time. He Represents the 33 District (Cedar Rapids). He serves on Appropriations, Ways and Means, is chair of Rebuild Iowa Committee, and is vice chair of Judiciary and Environment & Energy.  He is author or Americas Climate Century:   What climate change means for America in the 21st Century and what Americans can do about it. Robb speech was entitled:  Climate Change Actions at the Federal, State, and Local Levels

Robb spoke about solutions:  What can we do? Energy Conservation,Solar Energy, Plant Trees, crop rotation, use fuel efficient vehicles.   This is only part of what we can do.  But everyone has to be on board not just the United States, the entire world needs to come up with the solutions.

Senator Hogg and Rotarian Karin Franklin

Karin Franklin, Program Coordinator for January introduced the speaker today:  Jerry Schnoor, Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering, UI College holds the Allen S. Henry Chair in Engineering.  Co-director, Center for Global & Regional  Environmental Research.  He holds a BS from Iowa State PhD University.  He returned to Iowa in 1977.

Specialities  include water quality modeling, aquatic chemistry and climate change.

He spoke on: The Science Behind Climate Changes.

Theresa Burns, December Program Coordinator for December introduced PDG John Ockenfels and Peter Teahen.  John and Peter will fly around the world For Flight to End Polio.  They will begin this journey March 24 and pla be back on May 13, 2020.  The plane is a Piper Lance single engine airplane.  As they travel to 25 different locations they will be encouraging support of ending polio forever throughout the world.

Pilots John Ockenfels (left) and Peter Teahen (right) with the Piper Lance

President Seaba called the meeting to order 7:00 am. 

Theresa Burns introduced The speaker today: Jen Loeb.  Adventures-Everest Climb

Jen climbed Mt. Everest in 2016.  She is the only woman from Iowa to succeed in climbing Mt. Everest.

     Rotarian Theresa Burns (left) and speaker Jen Loeb (right)

President Seaba called the meeting to order at 7:05 am.  She asked Peggy Doerge to stand and be thanked for the delightful Chili Super. 

Today was the election for Director for July 1, 2020-Jun 30, 2023.  The candidates were Theresa Burns, Jean Knepper, and Jenney Seylar.  The new Director is Jean Knepper.  President Seaba encouraged people to order off of Amazon Smile to give a donation to Rotary. President Seaba congratulated Tom Novak on his 14 years of being in Rotary on Dec. 15th.  She had a slide showing that form November 18, 2018-November 18, 209.  We have had 10 new members for 14% increase.

The Speaker today was December Program Coordinator Theresa Burns, Office Manager for Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity,

PDG Chris Knapp Introduced Greg Probst, District 6000 Youth Exchange Chair who introduced the clubs Youth Exchange Student, Lara Nicoletti.

Lara it 16 years old from Brazil.  The wanted New York or LA but  heard she was going to Iowa.  Where is the world is Iowa.  When she got here all she saw was Corn.

She is very happy to be here.

 

PDG Chris  Knapp ad Rotary Foundation Chair introduced DGE Steve Dakin.  Steve spoke on Soukup Safety Homes.  He spoke on how these homes have been sent to Haiti after devastating Earthquake of 2010.  These homes will withstand winds of 140 miles an hour.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

       

Left to right:  Past District Governor John Ockenfels, DG Elect Steve Dakin, DG Nominee Alka Khanolkar, PDGs Herb Wilson and Chris Knapp

PDG Chris Knapp And Foundation Chair for District 6000 spoke on The Rotary Foundation.  He spoke about Polio and Global and District Grant.  He discussed the various levels of giving from Paul Harris to Arch Klumph Society

Today's meeting was dedicated to Paul Harris Points.  President Seaba introduced Foundation Chair Chris Knapp.

Each member received a Paul Harris Point sheet.  Many members will be giving points to members that are willing to give to the Foundation and  accept Points to get them Paul Harris status.

 

Mike Messier, Program Coordinator for October introduced Nicky Beauivage, Jason Sifford, Mary Denmead from City Circle Theater Company.

Mary performed two songs, one from Annie and a villian song. Mary was accompanied on the piano by Jason Sifford.

Everyone enjoyed the great performance.

 

                                                                                        Mary Denmead, Nicky Beauivage, Rotarian Mike Messier, Jason Sifford (City Circle Board of Directors)

Assistant Governor Phil Peterson introduced District Governor (DG)  Erna Morain. 

D.G.  Morain spoke about her being from Amsterdam and moving to Iowa.

Casey Cook was the MC for "What Jazzes You Up".  This meeting participants were:  Newest Member Zach Payne and Eric Nurnburg.  He also called on a Charter member plus five years of being a Rotarian Roger Christian.

Program Coordinator Mike Messier introduced Marcie Durian, Senior Resource Specialist LivWell Seniors of Johnson County Resources .  Marcie spoke about Care Giving for Care Givers. Marcie listed some resources:  legal reps, assistant in health care- giving shots, changing dressings, Identify Professional care for occupational therapy and physical therapy appointments. 

Marcie Durian and Rotarian Mike Messier

Eric Nurnburg Program Coordinator for September introduced speaker Angie Jordan. Angie spoke on Enhancing Quality of Life & The South District Neighborhood Association. The Goals of the program are:  Information Exchange, Resident Advocacy, Build Neighborhood, Identify and create a way to Communicate.

  Rotarian Sue Cronin and Angie Jordan

Eric Nurnburg, Deputy Fire Chief, introduced the speaker Matt Farrey, Fireman Iowa City Fire Department.  Matt spoke on "The Fired-up About Reading Program. This program is a Literacy, mentoring, and guidance program. The Fire Department looked at the schools that have free and reduced lunch program.  The goal is for the students to be able to identify the fireman and be able to read more.

Rotarian Eric Nurnburg, Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Fighter Matt Farrey

Eric Nurnburg  Deputy Fire Chief,Program chair for September was our speaker.

His topic was "Overview of the Iowa City Fire Department".  Eric spoke on the history of the fire department and many statistics about fire calls.

 

Casey Cook introduced the speakers Eloy Barragan and Nora Garda from the Iowa Dance Festival. The Dance Festival will be downtown October 18 and October 19, 2019.   Iowa City became a UNESCO city in 2012.

Nora Garda, Casey Cook, Eloy Barragan

Speaker today was Kate Malkusak, returning Rotary Exchange Student.  She went to Spain for 10 months.She was in Elchhe Ailcante, City of Palmeas.  She had two host families.  She was able to celebrate her 18th Birthday while abroad.

Mrs. Malkusak, Kate Malkusak and Chris Knapp, Chair, District 6000 Foundation

Today's meeting was full of excitement with the presentations given by RYLA Students and World Affairs Students.

Each student spoke about how these experiences have changed their lives.

 

Left to Right: Back Row:Greg Probst, Ethan Seylar, Callie Dains, Arlene Drack, Anya Emerson, Bill Emerson, Manal Duah, Nate Nelson, Daniel Song, Gregg Schoultz, Linda Farkas  Front Row:  Liz Loeb, Nancy Pacha

Elaine Shalla introduced her Daughter Elyssa Shalla who is the Interpretive Park Ranger , Grand Canyon National Park.  The Park is celebrating their 100th Anniversary.  She is an acclaimed musician.  Her husband, Matt works with Visitor Resources.

They work and live at the Grand Canyon.

 

Elaine Shalla, Iowa City A.M. Club member, and Elyssa Shalla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program Chair:  Susie Poulton introduced speaker from DVIP Kristie Fortmann-Doser, Execustve Director.   Kristie spoke about he the work of DVIP and the upcoming 2020 Conference.

Exec Director Kristie Fortmann-Doser and Iowa City A.M. Rotarian Alta Medea-Peters, Director of Community Engagement, DVIP

Program:  International Convention, Hamburg, Germany.  PDG John Ockenfels and Deb and PDG

Chris Knapp and Vernette attended the International Convention and reported on some of the Highlights.

Speaker Sara Sedlacek, Director of External Relations, CommUnity.  She spoke about Food Insecurity in Johnson County.  PDG John Ockenfels and Deb were interviewed for a video entitled Community Food Bank More than Food.  John and Deb spoke about how blessed they were and wanted to share with people to maybe not make  everything perfect for people but certainly better.

Sara Sedlacek and Hazel Seaba

Speaker:  President Hazel Seaba talked about her background and vision for 2019-2020 year.

July-New Leadership Month.   To Improve is to Change; to be perfect is to change often "Winston Churchill"

Our club was chartered in 1989.

Kate Sojka congratulated members with club anniversary from July 1-8.  Nancy Johnson 13 years, Deb Dunkhase 8 years, Jean Knepper 5 years, Kris Ockenfels 5 years, and Ann Romanowski 5 years.

Deb Ockenfels announced that she was accepting checks and food for the Strike Out Hunger for the CommUnity Food Fight.  We want the turkey back.

President Hazel had A Rotarian's Reflection from Roger Christian, Charter Member.  Roger talked about how the club began with 6 people sitting at a table at the Holiday Inn.  John Koza, Jack Kolberg and Pete Knapp were some of the starters.    Charter members present today were Roger Christian, Dave Parson, John Ockenfels, Chris Knapp.  The club met at the Holiday Inn for awhile, then moved to the Masonic Lodge-problem of parking, then moved to the Kirkwood Room. Roger said what makes us so great as a club is money, talent and dedication.

Hazel said there would be more reflections through out the year.

Amanda McFadden displayed art work that our Youth Exchange Student Cristina had made.  She wanted to share with the AM Rotary members.

Jennifer Skarda became the newest member of The Rotary Club of Iowa City AM.  Randy Willman announced there were several members in the District Newsletter.

Ann Romanowski was thanked for her hosting of the Year Ender.  Hazel sent around a sign up sheet for Programs for the upcoming year.

John Ockenfels was awarded the Henry Ford car award for organizing our can sorting.  The process saves us about 3 hours each time we sort cans.

Deb Ockenfels announced that the annual food fight will begin July l. 

Please keep Amy Nicholson in your thoughts and prayers.

Many People were happy today.

 

Patty Roberts, an Iowa City Noon Rotarian involved with Rag4Clubfoot, was our speaker.

We celebrated our 6 newest Rotarians by getting to know them better at "speed date" formatted table talks.

Casey Cook explored "What Jazzes You Up" with new members, Jenny Seylar and Alta Medea-Peters.

The speaker was Deb Downey who teaches Augmentative and Alternative Communication at the University of Iowa.

Speakers:  Youth Exchange Students:  Pauline LeBlanc and Cristina Cinatto

Antelope Lending Library will have a sale the weekend of Memorial Day Weekend at Cassie's house.

June 15,2019 Ride Fundraiser, also to include Walkers being hosted by all four Iowa City Clubs

Karin Franklin reported that the 20 hours of sweat equity has been completed on the District Grant of the Bicycle Trailer.  The rack was built by Mark Patton and Jim Peterson .  Thanks to the riders that rode with the kids.

Mike Messier thanked all the volunteers that will help May 20, 2019 that will help at the Golf Tournament.  The Tournament usually raises $45,000.  The monies go to the operation and endowment funds for Community Foundation.

She has diagnostic tests to confirm what the spot on her lung is.  She and her son will keep her Rotary family informed. Amy will need us all for support in the next few months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program: One Rotary Summit Video

May is Youth Service Month

Hats off  to the Can Crew on Wednesday.  The event was rained out twice .

The cans this time brought in $750

Mike Messier is asking for one volunteer from 11:00-12:45 am for the Golf Outing May 20, 2019

The Bike Ride Fundraiser will be held June 15, 2019 at Terry True Blood.  We are encouraging walkers for a 2 mile walk.

PDG John Ockenfels will be embarking on a 7 week plane ride fundraiser from March thru May 2020 going around the world. He will doing this with Peter Teahan from Cedar Rapids.  His goal is to raise $100,000 for The Rotary Foundation.

At District Conference in West Des Moines, Kris Ockenfels received a Rotary Foundation award for helping clubs and members understand District Grants and how to complete them.

The Rotary Club of Iowa City AM was awarded an award for having 54% Woman.

Chris and Vernette Knapp each received a Foundation Award for visiting all 66 clubs for Foundation presentation .

There were many happy bucks today. 

 

Speaker:  Peter Damiano

President Huber called the meeting to order at 7:10

Two new members were inducted today Seth Talbot: sponsored by Jean Knepper and Alta Medea-Peters: sponsored by Deb Ockenfels. Seth is a Financial Advisor, lives in Kalona.He brings to our club communication skills, public speaking and an enthusiastic volunteer.  Alta brings to our club leadership skills being involved with Domestic Violence Program  staff, past BOD for Key Longfellow B & A school programs.  "Welcome to both members"

June 15, 2019 Bike Ride Fundraiser at Terry True Blood 9:00 am through 1:00 p.m.  Walkers and Dogs are welcome.  Dick has invited the Cedar Rapids Clubs.

The $1100.00 has now been raised for Antelope Lending Library.  Karen Franklin announced still looking for volunteers to build the shelves for the Bike Trailer.

Casey thanked all the volunteers for the Golf Tournament being held May 20, 2019.

Deb Dunkhase announced that Dr. Dan Jorgensen will be at District Conference on Thursday May 2.  He will be talking about his auction item that is a opportunity for two people to spend 5 days on his fishing boat in Alaska.  Transportation at your own cost. Deb and Dan will be taking orders for salmon to be delivered at a later date.  The item will be auctioned off Saturday night at the conference.

Jim Peterson announced that Xicotepec students will be giving their talk about their trip over spring break.

 President Hazel Seaba announced her plans for a District Grant for the 19-20 year.  Her Grant is title:  RIGHT=Rotarian's Intervening in Geographic Human Trafficking.  Right is a grant to directly benefit victims of human labor and sexual trafficking by aiding a local support agency, Domestic Violence Intervention Program, in its efforts to improve victim identification, extraction and healing at a September 19-20, 2019, conference to educate intervention-professionals and increase inter-agency  communication and cooperation in Iowa.  Grant funding will support regional and national speakers; attendance at the conference. The dollar we are asking from the District is $5,000.  The board has approved the grant.  The $5,000 club contribution, the Rotary Club of Iowa City has pledged $5,000 and the Rotary Club of Iowa City Downtown has pledged $5,000.  This conference will mark D.V.I.P. 40th year celebration.

Speaker:  Cornelia Lang

President Huber presented Nenu with her Paul Harris +2. Karen Franklin thanked everyone that is signed up to volunteer to ride bike with the students.  She asked for another volunteer to help Jim Peterson build a rack for the bike trailer. We have 20 hours of sweat equity that has to be prior submitting the next grant that is due June 1, 2019.

Pat Schnack spoke about District Governor Tom Narak has dedicated his focus on Promotion of Literacy and Child Abuse Prevention. He has suggested clubs accomplish this by having fundraising and monetary donations. The recent fundraiser Trivia Night $500 after expenses to the Antelope Lending Library.  The goal is $1,000 and this will be accomplished by the next few weeks Happy Bucks. President Dick and Jenny Saylor each contributed checks for the Library cause.

Another idea may be to take books to DVIP.

The Bike Ride Fundraiser is June 15 at Terry True Blood from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The Community Golf Outing is May 20th.  Mike thought that he had enough volunteers. An email will be coming our soon to all volunteers.

Brian Adamac is looking for the Polio Epidemic book that he loaned out last year.  Please return so others can read. Brian also had an Umbrella that can be purchased from Foils of Honor.  The money goes for Fallen Soldiers.

Jim Peterson announced the students will be giving a talk on Xicotepec at the U Of I April 30, 2019

The Rotary Club of Boone will celebrate their 100th Anniversary May 1. District Conference will be May 2-4 at the Sheraton in West Des Moines.

Chris Knapp spoke about the importance of giving to the Rotary Foundation.  The funds that come  back three years later are what allows our club to do District and Global grants.

 

 

Speaker Christopher Merrill-International Writers Program

President Elect Hazel Seaba conducted the meeting beginning at 7:05 am.

Guests: David Johnson-Iowa City Club, Ryan Bell-Iowa City Club, Christopher Merrill-Speaker

 

Kate Sojka reminded everyone that Trivia night is April 5th.  She encouraged more people to sign up. Mark Patton reported that  Jenny Saylor was the winner of the mini golf tournament. Dan Kramer won the door prize of a hat.  There is a traveling plaque for the winner.  Mark is asking previous winners to get their names to him for the plaque.

May 20, is the Iowa City Community Foundation Golf Tournament. There are many volunteer opportunities.  June 15 is The Bike Ride Fundraiser.

Deb Ockenfels announced that the branding of the cooler at the Crisis Cente that was a grant from Iowa City Downtown club and our club will be around 10:20 at the Crisis Center

Kris Ockenfels announced that all the G.M.S. are over.  Now she waits for the grant applications to come in.

The deadline is June 1,2019.

 

 

Speaker, Nancy A. Slach

Announcements:  4-1-19 Min. Golf Fundraiser, 4-1-19, Trivia, Community Foundation Golf Tournament-Many opportunities to volunteer.

Deb Dunkhase gave a report on the Iowa Most (Miles of Smiles) trip to Guatemala. Thanks goes out Amy Nicholson, Tom Novak , Deb Ockenfels for going on the trip and all their work on the mission.  A thanks to Elaine Shalla for all the travel arrangements each year, Liz Loeb  for the blankets that were made and Karin for all the miscellaneous tasks that she has completed on the many missions.  The mission helped 72 patients.  Deb stated  thanked the Rotary Club of Huehuentenango for developing the relationship and partnership over the years that has made the missions successful!

Jim Peterson and Phil Peterson had just returned from Xicotopec.   Both Rotarian's said that the mission went  very well.

 

 

The speaker was David Rust, board member for TRAIL (Tools and Resources for Active Independent Living).

Speaker:  Mary Westbrook, 5224Good .

President Dick announced that President Elect Hazel would had out ballots to vote for two-three term directors.

Guests were PDG Herb Wilson, Linda Farkas.

Announcements:  Mark announced the Mini-Golf Fundraiser will be held April 1, 2019 at Colonial Lanes beginning at 5:30 pm The cost is $20.00 per person.  Kate announced that Trivia Night will be  held April 5, 2019 at the Clarion and Casey will be the MC.  The University of Iowa Credit Union was recognized for their sponsorship.  The 2nd Annual Bike Ride will be June 15 2019  9am-1:00pm.  will be looking for sponsors and volunteers.  The Community Golf Fundraiser will be held May 20, 2019.  Volunteers will be needed.

Hats off to the can sorters from Friday, March 1, 2019.  We set a record of 54 bag and collected $600.

 

Shelter House book sale is coming up the end of March.  Karen Franklin will be collecting books up  to March 26, 2019.  Linda Farkas wanted to thank the club for their willingness to work together to help interview and select the RYLA and and the International Affairs students.

Jim Peterson announced there were 40 people going to Xiocotepec and this is the 16th year of this project.

Dick will be gone the next two weeks.  President-Elect Hazel Seaba will conducting the meetings.

Ryan Heiar, City Manager of North Liberty, was the speaker on February 26.  He filled members in on what's going on in North Liberty.

President Dick announced  very sad news  that Randy Wilman's son had passed away on February 18, 2019.

A moment of silence was observed.

Speaker-Dan Kolander    Topic:  Water to Thrive

The Iowa Most Team was welcomed back. This week is National Engineer Week, Act of Kindness Week and Today is Best Friends Day.  Casey Cook was welcomed back!

The 30 Anniversary Celebration will be held Thursday Feb. 21, 2019 at the Kirkwood Room form 5:30 pm-7:00 pm.  April 1, 2019 will be the annual miniature golf tournament fundraiser. Shelter House Book Sale March 30th.

Karen Franklin will be collecting books at the club the next several Tuesdays.

Hazel ask for suggestions for a grant that can be written for the 2019-2020 year.

Casey and Kate are moving to a condo.  Next Tuesday will be a volunteer effort to help pack books at their home. Casey announced that the Community Foundation Gold Tournament is May 20.

Happy Bucks:  Tom Novak shared that the Iowa Most Team worked to solve and problems that arise.

Mark Patton is happy to be in Bowl for Kids Sake Bowl Athon.  He would greatly accept pledges.

Chris Knapp spoke about 

the GMS at West Liberty and how we are dealing with losing membership and lack of funds. There are aprx. 13 clubs not giving to the Foundation.  Jim Peterson reminded everyone that the deadline for District Grants is June1, 2019.  The grants should be turned in sooner, in case there needs to be additional information added to the application.

 

Dr. James Folk, UI School of Medicine, Opthalmology, and IDx Corp talked about automation's impact in improving productivity and accuracy in diagnosis of eye and other diseases.

 

Dr. James Folk

 

John McGillicuddy

Troy Willard-Speaker on the Can Shed.  Ann Langenfeld was Program Organizer

Troy Willard

 

Dan Kramer, member our club, spoke on Life Transition Coach.  Be the Captain of your Ship:  Live & Love Life.

Dan Kramer

Senator Bob Dvorsky was the speaker.

 

LaDonna Wicklund, a member of the IC Noon Rotary, was the speaker.  She discussed the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Johnson Co (NAMIJC).

AM Rotary's exchange student, Cristina Cinotto (prounounced "Chinawto") was the Oct 9 speaker.

The speaker was Michael Hoenig, Program Coordinator for the University of Iowa Council for Disability Awareness.

The speaker was Tiffany Adrain, Curator of Paleontology Repository, University of Iowa who gave a presentation on "160 Years of Collecting Crinoids at the University of Iowa Repository."

Ashen Hayes, Community Services Officer, Iowa City Police Department was the speaker.

The speaker was Jenn Smith who talked about Children’s Tumor Foundation & Neurofibromatosis

 

Jenn Smith

Kris Ockenfels gave a photo tour of her trip to Iran.oo

The 2018 RYLA and World Affairs Seminar attendees gave a presentation moderated by Nancy Pacha.  Former RYLA attendee, Jamie Porter, also discussed the impact RYLA has made on his life since graduating from high school and college.

Casey Cook conducted "What Jazzes You Up" with District Governor, Tom Narak, and Carol Narak.

The speakers today were club members who attended the RI International Convention in Toronto.

Casey Cook moderated "What Jazzes You Up" with Geri Schaefer.

Tom Langenfeld, who has worked at ACT since 1998, talked about the history of the college testing process and the roots of ACT's services.

Participants in the March 2018 Xicotepec work trip were the speakers.

Paula Mompio, Youth Exchange Student from Catalonia, Spain, talked about her year in Iowa City and Kelly Teeslink, Executive Director of Girls on the Run, of Eastern Iowa

 

 

Dr. Louis Licht, CEO of Ecolotree, Inc., was the speaker on May 29.  He talked about treating pollution with tree roots.

Bob Saunders, Iowa Community Assurance Pool, was the speaker on the impact of autonomous vehicles on just about everything.

 

Bob Saunders

The speaker was Public Defender and immigration attorney, Julia Zalenski who talked about the Eastern Iowa Community Bond Project and "Immigration Detention in Iowa."

 

 

The presenter was Ron Lehnertz, Senior Vice President, University of Iowa

 

Ron Lehnertz, Senior VP, University of Iowa with Deb Galbraith, April Program Chair

 

The speaker was Dr. Melanie Dreher on the topic of medical marijuana.

 

April Program Chair, Deb Galbraith and Dr. Melanie Dreher, PhD, RN, FAAN

Marie Hassel and Rachel Kongshag presented a program about ChildServ.

Dr. David Johnson, Dean of the UI School of Dentistry, spoke about how oral health impacts total health.

Karen Baker, UI College of Dentistry, spoke on the Impact of Alternative Medicine on Clinical Dentistry (and on health in general).

 

Karen Baker

The speaker was Dan Fog, DPT, of Select Physical Therapy.

 

Dan Fog

Casey Cook moderated a panel of AM Rotary medical professionals:  Rick Dobyns, Liz Loeb, Tom Novak and Susie Poulton

The speaker was George Hospodarsky, Associate Research Scientist, UI Dept. of Physics and Astronomy.  His topic was Van Allen and Explorer I.

 

  George Hospodarsky

Gina Vild was the day's speaker.  Her topic was her book,  "The Two Most Important Days," which was written with Sanjiv Chopra.

 

 

The speaker was Marcus Eckhardt, Curator at the Herbert Hoover Library and Museum.  His theme was the programs and exhibits planned at the Museum and the Park for 2018.

 

 

Amy Nicholson lead a game of Rotary Jeopardy to help teach newer members about Rotary and the club.

Steve Schomberg, Secretary of the Bur Oak Land Trust, was the speaker on January 16.

 

David Janssen, Brucemore

 

Members shared early memories of Christmas, especially things that happened with pets.  Those AM Rotarians who wore ugly Christmas sweaters or ties got the prize of being photographed.

Paula Mompio-Martinez, the AM Rotary Youth Exchange student from Spain, was our speaker on December 12.  Picture is Paula with her host dad, Greg Probst.

Casey Cook led the ever-popular "What Jazzes You Up" with an interview with Amanda McFadden.  Then Amanda turned the tables on Casey and interviewed him! 

Chris Knapp was the speaker.  His topic was the Rotary Foundation.

Deb Ockenfels gave members a run down on Rotary International Foundation.  November is Foundation Month and all our programs will be on some aspect of the Foundation.

Today's speaker was District Governor, Mike Ruby.

 

AM Rotary President Phil Peterson and DG Mike Ruby

Casey Cook spoke about land development on September 19.

 

Casey Cook

The guest speaker was John Yapp, City of Iowa City Urban Planner.

The pre-arranged speaker could not attend and so AM Rotary held an assembly to discuss fundraising ideas.

Doris E Montag spoke about "Find Your Passion" in Retirement at the August 22 meeting.

 

The speaker was Jason Miller, the Project Manager for the new Stead Children's Hospital at UIHC.

The students who attended the World Affairs Seminar and RYLA for 2017 were our guests today.

 

2017 World Affairs Seminar and RYLA Students

Bob Opplinger, Education and Advocacy Coordinator, Bicyclists of Iowa City, talked about "Going for Gold."

Brian Adamec introduced the speaker, Cindy Altmaier Riley, owner of Winans Chocolate + Coffee in Coralville to talk about starting a small business, and particularly, about her business.

The speaker was Mick Starcevich, President of Kirkwood Community College, to talk about newer programs and advances at Kirkwood and the upcoming bond election.

 

  Mick Starcevich

Scott Kibby, Principal, Liberty High was the speaker

 

Pat Schnack led a book discussion and table talks about our recent reads.

 

Kara Logsden and Shauna Riggins, Iowa City Public Library, discussed the new ICPL Bookmobile service and provided a tour of the vehicle.

Deb Dunkhase talked about Iowa MOST at the May 9 meeting.

 

Today was a "What Jazzes You Up" day with Casey Cook, moderator, and Michael Lawler, interviewee.

The speaker was Masa Yamamoto who talked about the Japanese tradition of Bushido, the Samurai belief system.

Christine Nebiss, a member of an indigenous people of Saskatchewan, Canada who is currently a resident of Williamsburg, IA, talked about environmental and native sovreignty issues having to do with the Dakota Access Pipeline.

David Hensley, Director of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center was the speaker on Feb. 28.

Lynn Allendorf, Director of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, was the speaker on Feb 21.

Dan Clay, UI Dean of the College of Education, was the Jan 31 speaker.

David Gier, Director of the University of Iowa School of Music spoke on January 24 about the School of Music programs and the new Voxman Music Building.

The speaker for January 17 was Greg Prickman, UI Director of Special Collections.

 

Pam Ehly and Greg Prickman

The Jan. 10 speaker was Liz Kiscaden, Director, Greater Midwest Region for National Network of Libraries of Medicine based at Hardin Library.

What Jazzes You Up with Casey Cook interviewing Amy Nicholson was the subject of the January 3 meeting.

We did a hands-on service project during the meeting time on December 27.

This week the speakers were all members in attendance.  Phil Peterson presided over the meeting and Deb Pullin-VanAucken was program chair.

Casey Cook interviewed our three newest club members, Rachel Marquardt, Kade Hammes and Kathy Bowers with "What Jazzes You Up?"

Amanda McFadden led an interactive session on defining our Rotary elevator speech and determining what jazzes each of us up about Rotary and the AM Club. 

Jaime Nevins or Back Together Massage was the speaker who was introduced by Cassi Elton, the November program chair.

Mallory Hellman, Director of the Iowa Youth Writing Project (IYWP) presented the weekly program.

Bob Oppliger was the guest speaker; his topic was biking (or walking) as a form of exercise

Mark Patton shared his bike trip with the club.

The District 6000 Youth Exchange Committee is looking for outbound exchange students for the 2017-18 year.

 

2016-17 District 6000 Outbound Exchange Students

The speaker for October 4 was Brian Greer, Fire Marshal, Iowa City Fire Department.

District Governor Chris Knapp, Deb Dunkhase, Vernette Knapp

 

The Sept. 27th presenter was District Governor, Chris Knapp.

The speaker was David Goodner, volunteer with Iowa City Catholic Worker.

The Sept. 13 speaker was Thomas D. Farnsworth, attorney with Kinnamon, Kinnamon, Russo, Meyer, KIeegan and Farnsworth.  His topic was about criminal sentencing and the criminal justice system in Johnson County.

Mark Patton and Thomas Farnsworth

Jack Tank introduced the speaker for the Sept. 6 meeting, John McGillicuddy, who talked about the agricultural and socio-political environment in the Ukraine.

Casey Cook conducted a "What Jazzes You Up" with District Governor Elect, Mike Ruby and his partner Joanne.

Today's meeting was a club assembly to discuss how the club is doing and how it can improve.

Pam Ries, Program Director for UI's REACH Program was the speaker on August 16.

RYLA and World Affairs Seminar participants were speakers on August 9.

Liz Ford, Director, Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center was the speaker.

 

Casey Cook introduced Andree Schmidt as the week's speaker, who is an Acquatic Rehab specialist working at the North Dodge pool.

 

Andree Schmidt and Casey Cook

The speakers were Stephanie Fieckenster and Sara Klemuk from the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center

Deb Galbraith led "What Jazzes You Up" to interview new members Roxie Mitchell, Phil Jordan and Cole Lavarias.

 

Deb Galbraith with Roxie Mitchell, Phil Jordan and Cole Lavarias

Casey Cook led a panel discussion on the topic of preparing for retirement.  Panel members included Mike O'Leary, Pam Ehly and Ann Romanowski.

Mike Messier gave the presentation on June 28 on Medicare and related health insurance issues.

 

Mike Messier

Speakers for the June 21 meeting were West High Interactors, Kasey and Kelsey Baller, who spoke about their experience in Xicotepec this spring.  They were introduced by Nancy Pacha.

Jody Braverman and his step-daughter, Rachel Gomez, spoke at the June 14 meeting concerning their trip last February to participate in the India NID.

Jody Braverman and Rachel Gomez draped in India NID banner.

Deb Dunkhase presented a report about "Next Year" for AM Rotary.

Our May 31 speaker was Jim Blessman of Blessman Ministries who talked about his South African ministries and various projects including a water project that was done partially with a Rotary Global Grant. Picture:  Sarah Aikin, Jim Blessman, Beth Blessman all of Blessman Ministries

 

Louis and Hannah Doerge gave a program on the film they produced and filmed in Iowa City and how the experience of filming an independent film in Iowa City compares to making films elsewhere.

 

Hannah and Louis Doerge

Today's program featured a panel lead by John Ockenfels of those who have attended at least one Rotary Leadership Institute session.

Today's meeting featured induction of two new members, Susie Poulton and Josh Brewster and a "What Jazzes You Up" moderated by Casey Cook to find out more about our newest members.

Pictured:  Deb Dunkhase (sponsor of Susie), Susie Poulton, Josh Brewster and Mike Messier (sponsor of Josh)

Deb Dunkhase was the May 3 presenter.  She discussed the Play to Read project.

Today's program was on Crisis Intervention Training and the speakers were Major Steve Dolezal, Johnson County Sheriff Department and Jessica Peckover, LISW, the Alternative Coordinator of the Program.

City Circle Acting Company, the resident company for the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts performed at the April 12th meeting.

About 24 players representing AM and Downtown Rotary Clubs putted their way to a great time at Colonial Lanes Mini-Golf Course in the First Annual AM Rotary Mini-Golf Tournament. This event substituted for our April Month Opener.

 

The Hat Lady Team: Nancy Pacha, Kris

Ockenfels, Amy Nicholson

We welcomed District Governor, Loring Miller and Past DG Terry Geiger and also prepared dictionaries to distribute to fourth graders.

 

Joan Garrity showing 4th Grade Dictionaries

Kris Ockenfels gave a presentation on "Fraudsters and Oldsters" based on her work in financial fraud detection at UICCU.

Today's speaker was Steven Beck, CEO and President of Santos Human, Inc. a company that specializes in digital human modeling.

Our speaker on Feb 9 was Doug Fern who talked about the Faith Academy located in SE Iowa City at 1030 Cross Park Ave.

The February 2 meeting featured a presentation by John Schultz about the history of the violin, or "400 Years of History in 20 Minutes or Less."  He and Lara Celeghin also started out by playing a violin duet.

Our speaker was Dr. Resiyme Oral, Director of the ACES 360 Program at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics who talked about how adverse experiences in childhood impact lifetime health and well-being.

The December 22 meeting featured an activity led by December Program Chair, Deb Pullen-VanAucken.

At the December 15 meeting the speaker was Nancy Keon, Vice President, Coaching Services, Advancement Resources who spoke on "The Gift of Gratitude."  Her introducer was Deb Pullen-Van Aucken.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                   Nancy Keon and Deb Pullen-VanAucken

December 8 speaker was Jane Dohrmann, Iowa City Hospice, who talked about the "Honoring Your Wishes" program.

 

  Deb Pullen-VanAucken and Jane Dohrmann